Stewardship On The Move | Pastor Nate Keeler
Throughout Scripture, we see a recurring principle known as “first fruits.” It’s a call to bring the first and best of what we receive back to God. This principle challenges our natural priorities and invites us to place our faith in God’s provision. Giving to God first is more than a financial decision; it’s a declaration of trust, a sign of spiritual alignment, and a step of faith.
The Meaning of the First Fruits Principle
The term “first fruits” originates from the Bible, particularly in an agrarian context. In ancient Israel, farmers brought the first yield of their harvest to the temple. This act symbolized that all they had belonged to God. Today, giving our “first fruits” means setting aside a portion of our income to honor God first, before anything else.
The language around first fruits often uses the word bring rather than give. There’s a subtle yet important difference here: giving implies ownership, while bringing suggests we’re returning something already His. As believers, our resources are blessings from God. When we bring our first fruits, we’re not donating out of charity; we’re responding to God’s provision and acknowledging Him as the owner.
God’s Challenge in Malachi: Test Him with Your First Fruits
In Malachi 3:7-10, God speaks directly to His people about the consequences of neglecting their tithes. “Return to me,” He says, and challenges His people to “test” Him by bringing their full tithes into the storehouse. This is one of the few times in Scripture where God invites us to test Him. He promises that if we honor Him first, He’ll “throw open the floodgates of Heaven” and bless us abundantly.
God’s words to the Israelites reveal a critical lesson: bringing our first fruits requires trust that God will provide. When we prioritize giving, God invites us to watch and see His faithfulness in action. It’s a radical step, yet one that comes with the assurance of God’s promise to bless and sustain us.
Jesus’ Teaching: Seeking the Kingdom First
In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this call to prioritize God above all else, even in financial matters. In Matthew 6:33, He says, “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritize God’s Kingdom—putting His purposes above our own—we’re aligning our lives, including our finances, with His will.
Jesus encourages us to take a leap of faith, placing our trust in God’s care. This does not mean ignoring our needs; rather, it’s a call to reorder our lives in a way that puts God’s mission at the forefront.
The Example of the Macedonian Church
In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul commends the church in Macedonia for their faithfulness in giving, even amid financial hardship. Despite their poverty, they gave “first to the Lord.” Their trust in God’s provision empowered them to live out the first fruits principle in a powerful way, showing that putting God first transcends financial status or comfort.
Their story is a powerful reminder that giving first is a spiritual choice, one that brings us into closer relationship with God. In their willingness to prioritize giving despite difficult circumstances, the Macedonians illustrate the freedom that comes from fully trusting God with our resources.
Breaking Free from the “Leftovers” Mentality
Most people follow a predictable pattern with money: spend, pay debts, pay taxes, save, and if anything is left, give. But this order leaves God at the bottom of our priorities. The result? God often receives our leftovers. And when we’re just giving what’s left, we miss the opportunity to fully trust and experience His blessings.
Instead, imagine reversing the order: give first, then save, manage obligations and finally spend. This approach realigns our finances in a way that invites God into every area of our lives, recognizing His role as our provider.
For many, this shift can feel counterintuitive. But giving first opens doors to a deeper relationship with God. It’s not about a strict percentage or following a rule. It’s about the joy of giving from a place of love and gratitude. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…for God loves a cheerful giver.” When we give from a generous heart, we mirror God’s own generosity toward us.
Practical Steps to Prioritize Giving to God First
- Start with Prayer: Ask God to guide your heart and help you align your financial decisions with His will.
- Set Aside Your First Portion: Begin with whatever amount you feel led to, and give it faithfully. Even small steps count.
- Choose a “Family First” Mentality: Consider giving to your local church, supporting missions or specific ministries that align with God’s heart.
- Test God in Faith: Take Him up on His promise in Malachi. Trust Him to provide, even when your budget doesn’t seem to add up.
- Make Giving Automatic: Consider setting up automatic giving as a practical way to put God first consistently.
The Blessing of Putting God First
Living by the first fruits principle is a radical way to honor God. It means trusting Him not only with your words but with your actions. When we make God first in our finances, we’re giving Him permission to move powerfully in our lives. He’s promised to bless our faithfulness. Putting God first isn’t about expecting wealth in return; it’s about discovering the richness of a life that depends on God’s provision.
Conclusion: Start Where You Are
Wherever you are in your financial journey, you can start now by honoring God first. It’s not about perfection but about a heart of faith. As you step out in obedience, trusting God to meet your needs, you’ll discover a new depth of faith, joy and purpose. Begin today and watch how God honors your commitment to put Him first.