One of the things that I have never hesitated to preach about in church is money. God rebuked Eli for honoring his sons above Him. Then, He said that He will honor those who honor Him. As a pastor, I have always cared more about honoring God than honoring sons. I have always striven to teach people to honor God in all areas of their life, including their finances.
In Proverbs 3:9-10, God tells us to “honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” The principle of honoring God with our wealth is not an Old Testament law that we are no longer under. Honoring God is a PRINCIPLE that began in Genesis. Abel honored God with the first of his produce. He gave God the fat portion, meaning the very best. In Malachi, people were not bringing the whole tithe (10%) to Him and they were not bringing their best offerings. Notice what God said in Malachi 1:6-7. “’’A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, ‘How have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of the LORD is to be despised.’”
When we receive our income from our jobs or other sources, we should give the first of our produce to the Lord. Our tithes need to be a priority, before we do anything else with the money. In 2018, God is still looking for a people that will honor Him with the first of their produce, and with their fat portions. God promises some pretty neat benefits for those who honor Him with their wealth. (See Proverbs 3:10, Malachi 3:10-12, and Luke 6:38 to see just a few of the blessings for honoring God with our wealth.)