Put God First In Your Finances

As we come to the end of our financial fast this month, let’s close with a final lesson – putting God first in our finances. In Exodus 23:19, we read, “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” Firstfruits (the first of the first) are to be brought first. Notice the Word says “bring” and not “give.” Why? It goes back to the issue of ownership, we can’t give what we don’t own, but we can bring it into the house of the Lord (not to other entities or organizations). 

Later in Proverbs 3:9-10 we are told these firstfruits honor the Lord who promises if you honor Him “with your wealth…and firstfruits…” you will be prosperous (“your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine”). It is a promise repeated and fulfilled often in God’s Word. So how do we accomplish this? In Leviticus 27:30, we read, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”

Our tithe must be offered first. Though tithing is established as part of the old covenant in the Old Testament, Jesus confirms it is also for those of us living under the new covenant in Luke 11:42, when He says, “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

Jesus does not negate the tithe, but tells the Pharisees they should also not neglect justice and love for God which are also part of the law. Our gifts, offerings, and tithes are all important and provide numerous benefits. The Scripture tells us to give as we are able whether 10 percent or more or less. In fact, it is possible to give 10 percent and not tithe, because tithing isn’t about the amount of money but about God being first. 

May we “…each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:7). It is all about putting God first and living out our faith in Him with wholesome motives and worshipful hearts.