Putting God First 3
Proverbs 3:9–10 (NKJV)- “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Today, we will examine three additional possessions through which we can honor the Lord.
One way we put God first is by honoring Him with our finances. Matthew 6:21 says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Money is often the clearest indicator of what we truly value. Honoring God with our finances means giving generously and responsibly. We are called to pay our tithes which is ten percent of our total income, and to give offerings faithfully. We should also support kingdom projects such as transportation, church planting, evangelism, and welfare outreach, as well as assist family members and those around us who are in need. When we give to God, He gives back in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
Another way we honor God is with our words. Scripture tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue; therefore, what we say must be acceptable in God’s sight. Our words carry the power to build or to destroy. Honoring God with our words means always speaking with kindness, truth, and grace regarding of our temperament at any given moment. A gracious answer turns away wrath and promotes peace. Our words are weapons for both spiritual warfare and healing. Every conversation should be an opportunity to reflect God’s love to those who hear us. When we allow God to guide our speech, our words become channels of life. We must put away complaining and choose gratitude instead. Rather than criticize, we should offer encouragement.
Lastly, we must honor God with our bodies. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Honoring God with our bodies means caring for ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This includes eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep and maintaining balance. We are called to live in purity, self-control, and respect for how God designed us. Adultery and fornication grieve the Holy Spirit and lead to destruction. When we care for our bodies, we honor God and position ourselves to serve Him more fully.
Prayer
Father, thank You for my finances, my words, and my body. Help me to put You first in my finances. Guard my mouth and guide my words. Help me speak with love, wisdom, and truth. Teach me to treat my body with care and respect, so that my life may honor You in all things in Jesus name, amen.
