Day 11 — Honor God First

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

— Proverbs 3:9–10 (BSB)

In Bible times, most people were farmers. They planted crops, waited all season and then harvested them. And God told His people to do something special at harvest time: give Him the firstfruits.

The firstfruits were the very first part of the harvest, the first grain that ripened, the first grapes from the vine. Before the farmers ate any of their crops or sold them, they brought the first and best part to God.

Why the first part? Why not just give God whatever was left over at the end?

Because giving God the first part showed that He came first. It said, “God, everything I have comes from You. You’re the most important. And I trust You to provide the rest.”

It’s a lot like a birthday cake. Who gets the first slice? Usually the birthday person, because they’re the most important person at the party. Giving God the first part says He’s the most important.

Most of us aren’t farmers today. But the idea still works. When you get money, whether it’s allowance, birthday money or money from a job, you can give some of it to God first. Many Christians give a portion of their money to their church or to help people in need, before they spend any of it on themselves. Some give a tenth, called a tithe.

You can give God your firstfruits in other ways too:

• Your time: Start your day with God before you check your phone or turn on the TV.
• Your energy: Give Him your best effort, not your leftovers.
• Your talents: Use your gifts for Him first.

And look at God’s promise: “then your barns will be filled with plenty.” That doesn’t mean God will make everyone rich. But it does mean you can’t out-give God. When you trust Him and honor Him first, He takes care of you.

Think about it: Do you usually give God your “firstfruits” or your “leftovers,” with your money, your time and your energy?

Try this: The next time you get money, set aside a portion for God first, before you spend any. Also try giving God the first few minutes of your day tomorrow.

Dear God, everything I have comes from You. Help me honor You with the first and best of my money, my time and my energy, not my leftovers. I trust You to take care of me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.