How do you give the first and best to God?
Giving the first and best to God is a fundamental principle of Christianity. It means that we offer the first and best of our resources, talents, and time to God as an act of worship, obedience, and gratitude. This principle is rooted in the belief that everything we have belongs to God, and it is our responsibility to use it for His glory and purposes. In this essay, we will explore what it means to give the first and best to God, why it is important, and how to apply this principle in our lives.

Give your best to God

To begin with, let us consider what it means to give the first and best to God. In the Old Testament, the concept of first fruits is introduced, which means offering the first and best of the harvest to God as a symbol of gratitude and acknowledgment of His Provision. In Deuteronomy 26:1-2, it says, “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name.”

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms this principle in Matthew 6:33 when He says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above everything else in our lives. When we put God first, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision for our needs.

Furthermore, giving the first and best to God is an act of obedience. In Exodus 20:3, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment highlights the importance of worshiping and serving only one God. By giving the first and best to God, we demonstrate our commitment to obeying His commands and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

In addition, giving the first and best to God is an act of gratitude. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” This verse reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, and we should be grateful for His provision. By giving the first and best to God, we express our gratitude for His blessings and acknowledge that they come from Him.

So, why is it important to give the first and best to God? Firstly, it is a way of honoring and worshiping Him. In Proverbs 3:9-10, it says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This verse teaches us that when we honor God with our resources, He will bless us abundantly.

Give your best to God

Secondly, giving the first and best to God helps us to prioritize our lives. In a world where we are bombarded with distractions and competing demands for our time and resources, it can be challenging to stay focused on what really matters. However, when we give the first and best to God, we are reminded of our priorities and are more likely to make choices that align with His will.

Finally, giving the first and best to God is a way of investing in eternity. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in.



How do you give the first and best to God?

Here are 5 practical ways to give the first and best to God:

1.Offer the first portion of your income: Consider giving the first portion of your income as a tithe to your church or a ministry that aligns with your values. This act of obedience and worship honors God and supports His work in the world.

2.Give the best of your talents: Identify your strengths and use them to serve others in your church or community. Whether it’s singing, teaching, or organizing events, giving your best talents to God is a meaningful way to honor Him.

3.Prioritize prayer and Bible study: Start each day with prayer and Bible study to give the first portion of your time to God. This practice helps you to focus on His will and to seek His guidance throughout the day.

4.Serve others with excellence: Whatever your job or role in life, strive to serve others with excellence and to glorify God in all that you do. This may mean going the extra mile, showing kindness and compassion, and working with integrity.

Give your best to God

5.Offer your first fruits: As mentioned earlier, the concept of first fruits involves offering the first and best of your resources to God. This can include dedicating the first portion of your day, week, or year to Him through prayer, fasting, or other spiritual practices.

By giving the first and best to God in these practical ways, you can experience the blessings of obedience, gratitude, and trust in His provision for your life.


In conclusion, giving the first and best to God is an act of worship, obedience, and gratitude that demonstrates our commitment to living a life that honors Him. By prioritizing God above everything else, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision for our needs. Giving the first and best to God helps us to prioritize our lives, invest in eternity, and experience His blessings and favor. As we seek to apply this principle in our lives, may we always remember that everything we have is a gift from God, and may we use our resources, talents, and time to bring glory and honor to Him.

Shalom
Give your best to God

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