29 You must present as the Lord’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.’
Giving of our first fruits back to God is an important discipline, not because God needs it from us but because it is a recognition that everything we have is a gift from God. Its become pretty easy for me most of the time to give our first fruits of money back to God. But one of the things I sometimes think about is do I give back to God my first fruits of effort back to him. Any other gifts or abilities he has given me, do I use them first to give glory to him or do I use them first to do what I want or think I need to do? I think the latter is more often the case.
This is a tough one for me, but I want to challenge myself to truly think everyday of giving my best for God, not just money.
knut
I hear ya. I just got my first "too big to believe it" bonus. Its funny how the bigger the bonus, the more thankful I should be....but, I find it harder and harder to give THAT much money back to God. Its pretty ironic, isn't it? The more he blesses me, and my family, the less willing I am to give it back. Such a small little person.
ReplyDeleteI also agree there are other first fruits other than money. I've taken a step backward in church participation over the past year. Not because I'm unhappy, or unwilling. I was getting a little burned out. I felt like I was too involved for a while. I saw too much of the people grumbling just like the Israelites. But, its probably time to step back in with a refreshed attitude.
tp
Our move to the quad cities was a great break from over involvement. I'm back in deep again now but it's ok after having a nice break. I think the recharge time is ok but if you are feeling the tug maybe it's time to engage more again.
ReplyDelete