Recently, I was reading my Bible and I was reminded that God deserves the best part. He asked for it, but beyond that, He is truly worthy of it. Thinking about everything that God has done for us (the biggest being Jesus dying on the cross), it’s not out of place to give Him the best part of what we have.  

The generous will prosper;
    those who refresh others
will themselves be refreshed

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

I remember when the Israelites were wandering around in the wilderness, they had to offer sacrifices. It might seem pretty unreasonable to you, especially considering they were in the desert. Why would God ask for the best animals from their flock, one without any flaws? But think about it this way: if they were committed to giving God their best, He’d make sure they had more to share. Have you ever wondered how they had perfect lambs for the next round of sacrifice if they were left with only the ‘flawed’ ones? Isn’t it a miracle that the ‘flawed’ animals were able to produce flawless lambs? OR perhaps, they were still left with some flawless ones. Let me try to break it down in simpler terms:

Imagine I have 10 coins (1 shiny one). I give God the shiny one (1/10th or a tithe as many know it as) and I give Him first. I save 1 and I spend 8 to purchase items to sell. I sell and make 20 coins. My tithe is now 2 coins right? Which means I went from having one shiny coin to two shiny coins. Also, I have 19 left to save and/or continue trading with. I really hope you get the analogy.   

When you offer blind animals for sacrifice,
is that not wrong?
When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, 
is that not wrong?
Try offering them to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you?”
says the Lord Almighty.

Malachi 1:8 (NIV)

When you give God the best of your resources, yourself and your energy, you will be better off if you think about it deeply. Here’s something else to think about: You wake up and are most alert so you spend those waking moments in God’s word and in prayer. Don’t you think your day is going to be great! I’m not saying that unpleasant things may not happen throughout the day, but your approach to them will be better which will minimize their effect on you. Think of a person who just received great news that they’ve been waiting on for a long time. If someone hits their car, they’ll probably react way more calmly than someone who’s already frustrated or discouraged. 

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests:
“A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master.
If I am your father and master,
where are the honor and respect I deserve?
You have shown contempt for my name!”

malachi 1:6 (NLT)

Additionally, giving God the best part keeps you grounded. Whatever you have, you were given. By releasing the best to God, you’re honouring Him, and it should serve as a reminder that you’re only a steward and you brought nothing into this world and will definitely take nothing out.  

Finally, I want to give a bit of clarification here, I know that God wants ALL of you. Your whole heart, mind, soul, body need to be surrendered to Him. In this post, I’m speaking more in terms of our service and offerings.  

Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over,
will be poured into your lap. 
For with the measure you use,
it will be measured to you

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

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What are your thoughts on this?

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