In accordance with Mosaic law, Israelites were to bring the best of the firstfruits of their soil to the house of the LORD their God (Exodus 23:19). It was the first sheaf of the first grain that was harvested that was to be brought to the LORD and waved before Him as public acknowledgement that all things belong to God and come from God (Leviticus 23:9-10). Their thank offerings of their firstfruits expressed their full reliance on God rather than the yield from their fields.
We honor God with our wealth when we gift Him our firstfruits – the first dollar of each dollar that enters our bank account. We honor God, our Source and Provider, by giving Him the first and the best of all that He’s entrusted to us. Our thank offerings of our firstfruits humbly expresses that we trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
The opposite is also true. When our gifts to God come after the rest of the bills are paid or are calculated from the net, rather than the gross, it’s evident that our trust is not in God, but in self. God warns that those who put their trust in riches – their paychecks, their investment skills, and their hard work – will fall (Proverbs 11:28a).
Job knew what it was to be wealthy and what it was to be stripped of everything – his possessions, his children, and his health. He said, If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, ‘You are my security,’ if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained . . . I would have been unfaithful to God on high (Job 31:24-25, 28b).
One of the litmus tests of our faithfulness to God is our financial stewardship. Who do you trust? God or your goods? Who is first in your thoughts on payday? God or your bills? Who is your first love? God or your money? (Hebrews 13:5)
When we honor God with our wealth, He promises to honor us: Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (Proverbs 3:10). One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be be refreshed (Proverbs 11:24-25).
