The First and the Best: Giving God Our All

The First and the Best: Giving God Our All

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, we're challenged to consider a radical perspective: putting God first in every aspect of our lives. This isn't just about religious obligation; it's about understanding the profound impact this shift in mindset can have on our spiritual journey and overall well-being.

The concept of giving God our "first and best" is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. We see this exemplified in the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4. While both brothers brought offerings to God, Abel's offering was regarded favorably because he brought "the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions." This wasn't just about the quality of the offering, but about the heart behind it. Abel prioritized giving God the first and best of what he had, demonstrating his faith and reverence.

Contrast this with Cain, who brought his offering "in the course of time." This subtle difference speaks volumes about their attitudes towards God. Are we giving God our leftovers - our spare time, our excess money, our remaining energy - or are we prioritizing Him above all else?

This principle extends far beyond material offerings. It encompasses our time, talents, and treasures - everything we have and are. God doesn't need these things from us; He's the Creator of the universe and lacks nothing. Rather, He invites us to give of ourselves as a way to grow in relationship with Him and to allow Him to work in and through us.

Consider the widow's mite in Luke 21. Jesus commended this poor widow who gave two small copper coins, saying she had given more than all the rich people who contributed out of their abundance. Why? Because she gave all she had to live on. It wasn't about the amount; it was about the heart behind the giving and the trust it demonstrated in God's provision.

We often fall into the trap of thinking we don't have enough to give - not enough time, not enough money, not enough talent. But God isn't looking for perfection or abundance. He's looking for willingness and faith. Remember the boy with five loaves and two fish in the feeding of the 5,000? What seemed utterly inadequate in human terms became more than enough in Jesus' hands.

This brings us to a challenging question: are we robbing God? In Malachi 3, God confronts His people with this startling accusation. They had been withholding their tithes and offerings, essentially keeping for themselves what belonged to God. But the issue went deeper than just money. It was about their hearts and their relationship with God.

God then makes an extraordinary invitation: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." This is the only place in Scripture where God explicitly tells us to test Him. He's so confident in His faithfulness and abundance that He challenges us to see what happens when we truly put Him first.

But let's be clear - this isn't about a prosperity gospel or treating God like a cosmic vending machine. It's about aligning our hearts with God's will and allowing Him to work in our lives. When we give God our first and best, we're acknowledging His lordship over every area of our lives. We're saying, "God, I trust you more than I trust my own ability to provide for myself."

This principle applies to every aspect of our lives:

1. Time: Do we give God the first moments of our day, or do we rush into our tasks and only turn to Him as an afterthought?

2. Talents: Are we using our God-given abilities primarily for our own gain, or are we looking for ways to serve God and others?

3. Treasure: Do we give to God's work first, or do we give Him what's left after we've taken care of all our wants and needs?

4. Thoughts: Is God our first consideration in decision-making, or do we only turn to Him when we're stuck?

The beautiful paradox is that when we give God our first and best, we end up with more, not less. Not necessarily in material terms, but in spiritual richness, peace, and purpose. We position ourselves to receive God's blessings - which often look different than we expect but are always for our ultimate good.

Remember, Jesus Himself modeled this principle perfectly. Though He was rich, for our sake He became poor, so that through His poverty we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). He gave His very life - His first and best - for us. Our giving is simply a response to His immeasurable gift.

As we reflect on this, let's challenge ourselves:

1. Where in my life am I holding back from God?
2. What would it look like to truly put God first in my time, talents, and resources?
3. Do I trust God enough to "test" Him in this area of giving?

The invitation is clear: return to God, and He will return to you. Put Him first, and watch how He works in your life. It's not about perfection, but direction. Every step towards prioritizing God is a step into a deeper, richer relationship with Him.

In a world that constantly demands our attention and resources, choosing to put God first is a radical act of faith. It's a declaration that we believe in a God who is worthy of our best, not just our leftovers. It's an acknowledgment that everything we have comes from Him and belongs to Him.

As we close, let's remember the words from the hymn: "We believe in God the Father, we believe in Jesus Christ, we believe in the Holy Spirit, and He's given us new life." This belief should shape how we live, how we give, and how we prioritize our lives. May we be people who consistently offer God our first and our best, trusting in His faithfulness and abundant love.