First Fruits or Some Fruit

Focus verses: Genesis 4:2-16.

Now that we know that we are to be fruitful and subdue the earth, how do we communicate our love and respect for God?

In the case of Cain and Abel, each had a different vocation. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer. Each brought offering to the Lord. Abel brought the first born, the first fruit of his labors. Cain brought part of the grain, not necessarily the first harvested, nor harvested from the best field. He just brought some of the grain.

And God rebuked him, telling him his offering would be accepted if he did well -- in other words, what was right. And what is right is to give God the first and best - not just something left over or what you think you can spare.

This is true of finances, as well as time and talent. When we give God the leftovers, He finds that unacceptable. He must have first place in our lives. Not our spouses and families, not our jobs, not our hobbies, not our personal desires. God is to be first priority.

So when we make out our calendar for the day do we put God's time in first?

When we construct our budget do we put God's share down first?

Or are we just giving Him the leftovers -- what we think we can spare? Whose time, talent and finances are these anyway?

Father, God,

Soften our hearts and harden our resolve to put You first in our lives, first in time, first in finances, first in talent. And help us to keep faithful in this resolve.

In Jesus' most precious name we pray.
Amen