In our walk with Christ, we are called to give nothing less than our best to the Lord. This means giving our first fruits, our talents, and our readiness to His service. Let’s delve into the Scriptures to explore the significance of this giving and how it shapes our faith and discipleship.
1. Sacrifice the First Fruits to God
The principle of first fruits is rooted deeply in Scripture. In Proverbs 3:9, we are instructed to “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” This ancient practice involves giving the first and best of our harvest to God as an act of worship and trust. It acknowledges God’s provision and prioritizes His kingdom above our material needs. By applying this principle, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God and is to be used for His glory.
2. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man going on a journey, who entrusts his property to his servants. Upon his return, the master rewards those who have used their talents wisely and reproaches the one who did nothing with his talent. This parable emphasizes the responsibility we have to utilize God’s gifts—not for our own benefit, but for the growth of His kingdom. We are to invest our spiritual and physical resources to serve others and glorify God, showing our dedication and commitment to Him.
3. The Servants Who Were Not Ready When the Master Returned
In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus tells His disciples to be dressed ready for service and to keep their lamps burning, likening them to servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. The unexpected return of the master symbolizes Jesus’ second coming. This passage calls us to constant readiness and vigilance in our faith, actively serving God and avoiding complacency.
4. The Parable of the Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
This parable illustrates the need for preparedness. The foolish virgins, unlike the wise, did not take extra oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, they were unprepared and ultimately excluded from the wedding feast. The lesson here is clear: we must be spiritually prepared at all times, maintaining a strong relationship with Christ and being ready for His return.
5. The Apostle Paul Encouraging Christians to Set Aside Their Gift at the Start of the Week (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Paul instructs the Corinthian believers to set aside a sum of money at the beginning of each week, according to their income, ensuring that the collections for the church’s needs are not left until he comes. This practice of giving regularly and from the first of our resources teaches us discipline and honors God as our first priority.
Giving our best to the Master involves more than just material offerings; it encompasses the full devotion of our hearts and lives to God. Just as Jesus gave Himself fully for our redemption, we too are called to give unreservedly in our love and service to Him. Let us remember to prioritize Him in all things, trusting that as we give of our best, we participate in the eternal and glorious work of His Kingdom.
Digging Deeper:
- What offerings can we bring to the Lord? – Each religion makes requirements of what offerings you need to bring to God. Each religion describes what makes God happy. But, what does the Bible say?
- What about tithing? What is a tithe? Are tithes required? – The gift of a tithe predates the law. It was added to the 10 commandment law. It is a pragmatic responsibility in the church. God blesses every gift.
- Are you addicted to godly service? Do you follow those who are? – You should be addicted to godly service because this is the most Christlike of all the attributes of Jesus. You should follow those who are.
- 8 Gifts of Service for Your Church – You may have thought God could only use superstars. But, God is very clear that these 8 gifts have been given to you for service in your church.