Read: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper. (v. 2)
In the Old Testament, we read about how farmers would take their firstborn lamb, or the first portion of their crop at harvest time, and give it to the Lord as a sacrifice. Well, why not give the second-born lamb, or the third-born? Why not give a portion of the crop harvested later? The gift is the same. A bushel or corn is a bushel of corn, whether it’s harvested first or last. What’s the difference? The difference has to do with our priorities. When we give God the firstfruits, it’s a way of acknowledging that God is our first priority.
Let’s be honest. Many of us give our own necessities and desires first priority. And after our own needs and wants have been taken care of, if there is still something left over, we give that to God. And so we give God what is left, instead of what is right. The thing is, after we tend to our own desires there is never much left. Maybe that’s why Paul instructed the Corinthians to set an offering aside every week on the first day. With that simple gesture we remind ourselves that God comes first.
We serve and honor God in many ways, not the least of which is with our tithes and our gifts. Your giving reflects your priorities. If God does not have first priority in your life, then ask yourself: What does? —Lou Lotz
As you pray, think about how your giving reflects your priorities.
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
