Firstfruits

For Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.

This proverb is referring to tithing - the firstfruits of all your produce. We talk about giving all of ourselves to the Lord and yet somehow find it difficult to part with ten percent of our income. Surely it matters how we spend all of our money, and we give to the Lord by being financially responsible, taking care of our families, and so on. But it requires faith and discipline to let go of a portion of our money as we earn it. We must trust the Lord to provide. We must give attention to how we spend the remainder. We must acknowledge that we owe to the Lord everything, that he has a right to us and what we have.

Will we then be blessed with plenty? It is more likely to happen than if we hoard what we have. Time and again the proverbs link earthly reward with righteousness and the fear of God. The blessing of the Lord is not measured by earthly prosperity; nevertheless, prosperity often comes as a byproduct. As we focus on honoring the Lord, he blesses his people. It may not always be through physical prosperity, but do not be surprised if it does come; all the more then do not let that prosperity lead you astray, but honor the Lord giving him the firstfruits of your produce.