February 6

Exodus 22-24
God tells the Israelites that they are to give Him the first fruits of all they acquire.  He commanded that they sacrifice to Him their very best!   Even though I realize that the Law doesn't apply to Christians, I can't help but believe that God still expects the very best of what we have to be used in His service.

When I handled the finances in our family, the first check I would write, after depositing my paycheck, was my contribution to the church.  I'm not quite sure what method my wife uses, but I trust that the first and best of what we receive is dedicated to the Lord's service.  This has been our shared conviction ever since we surrendered ourselves to Christ.  I don't say this to boast, because there is nothing to boast about.  This is just our reasonable service, as it is for all of God's children.  Yet, statistically, Christians give less than 3% of their income!  Shocking, isn't it?  Oh, I know that our offerings include more than financial contributions, but that is no excuse for not giving more money than we do.  One of my Bible instructors once said that you can measure the spirituality of a church by the generosity of its members.  What do you think? Is our money more important to us than pleasing God with the first fruits?