In what ways can we prioritize God with our resources today? The Original Command “You are to consecrate to the LORD your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks; you are not to work the firstborn of your oxen, nor shear the firstborn of your sheep.” (Deuteronomy 15:19) • Israel’s firstborn animals represented the best and earliest increase of the year. • Consecrating them acknowledged that God owned everything and held first claim on all produce. • The command was concrete: give the first and give it whole—no plowing with the ox, no shearing the sheep. Timeless Principles We Carry Forward • God deserves first place, not our leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). • Giving is an act of worship, not a budget line. • The firstborn principle extends beyond livestock to every resource God entrusts to us. Practical Ways to Prioritize God Today First share of income • Determine a percentage—begin with the biblical tithe (Malachi 3:10) and grow from there as the Lord prospers. • Set automatic giving or write the check before paying other bills to embody “first” giving. First share of time • Give God the first part of the day in Scripture and prayer (Mark 1:35). • Schedule church involvement, small group, and service before entertainment or hobbies. First share of talents • Identify skills—administration, music, craftsmanship, teaching—and offer them for kingdom work (1 Peter 4:10). • Say yes to ministry opportunities even when they cost comfort or recognition. First share of possessions • Open your home for hospitality (Romans 12:13). • Loan tools, vehicles, or equipment freely, trusting God to supply. First share of opportunities • Begin new projects or ventures by asking, “How can this serve God’s purposes?” (Colossians 3:17). • Choose employers, partnerships, and investments that honor biblical ethics. First share of plans • Lay career moves, retirement goals, and family decisions before the Lord, seeking His direction (James 4:13-15). Heart Attitudes That Sustain Generosity • Gratitude: Remember every good gift is from above (James 1:17). • Trust: God supplies the sowers so they can keep sowing (2 Corinthians 9:10). • Joyful expectation: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). • Eternal focus: Earthly wealth is temporary; kingdom investment lasts (Matthew 6:19-21). Blessings of Obedient Stewardship • Provision: “Seek first the kingdom…and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). • Witness: Generosity displays God’s character to a watching world (2 Corinthians 9:13). • Freedom: Holding resources loosely frees us from anxiety (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Joy: Sharing in God’s work deepens fellowship with Him and His people (Philippians 4:17-19). Living the Firstborn Principle This Week • Review your budget, calendar, and talents—highlight where God is first and where He isn’t. • Choose one concrete “first” step—perhaps automating a tithe, reserving a morning for Bible study, or volunteering your best skill at church. • Watch how honoring God with the first multiplies gratitude, peace, and kingdom impact in every other area. |
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