PRIORITY GIVING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all...” Pr 3:9 NIV

Of all the items in your monthly budget, giving to God should be your top priority—not just a priority, but your first and highest one. The Israelites were largely an agricultural people. With that in mind, read this wonderful promise that God made to them and claim it: “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” (vv. 9-10 NIV). Notice the words “the firstfruits of all.” That means before you pay the mortgage or buy groceries or pay other bills, the very first check you need to write is to God. Here’s why: If you wait until other expenses are met first, it will impact the bottom line of your giving. That’s just the way it works with priorities. Whatever you place first will take precedence over everything that comes after it. Generosity should be the primary impetus behind your giving plan. And your generosity tends to be highest, immediately after receiving provision. Waiting until that provision has dwindled and been reduced by your monthly obligations has a tendency to squash generosity. However, if you prioritize your giving, then everything else will take its proper place in line behind the priority of God’s work. Honor God with the first portion of your income instead of giving Him the leftovers. That means that before you pay the mortgage, buy groceries, or cover any other expenses, the very first thing you should set aside is God’s portion. Then use what is left to meet your own needs, such as paying bills or buying groceries. That’s what we mean when we say, “priority giving.”