First and the Best

The story of Cain and Abel is a widely known one amongst Christian circles (Genesis 4) and is a relevant passage as we stand on the verge of 2010 with high hopes and expectations. My wife and I attended a New Years Party last night in a beautiful mansion surrounded by an immaculate garden. As I sat there admiring their “stuff” - 3 luxury cars, multiple huge LCD TVs with surround sound, PS3 (!!), I began to ponder about what drives me in my own life. Is it the accumulation of beautiful things? Is it the accumulation of letters behind my name?

And as much as I enjoyed myself last night surrounded by expensive things and the latest gadgets, I also remembered that these are but temporal. It is easy to “immerse” myself in this world so much that I forget that I am but a pilgrim, a traveller passing through. Heaven and earth will pass away... (Matt 24:35)

So how then can I “immunize” myself against this mentality that so easily engrips me? God provided an easy solution for us in the example of Able. He gave us a pattern to follow to ensure that everytime we are blessed with goodness, that we will give back to God the FIRST and the BEST. In this way, we remain mindful and thankful to the Giver as well as not allowing these things to have a grip of us.

So how can we practically honour God with the FIRST and the BEST? For finances - perhaps a conscious effort of tithing, not just throwing in loose change into the House of God. For time - serving Him during your youth, not just after you retire and have completed all you wanted to achieve in this world. For priorities during each day - to spend the best part of the day with Him, not just when you are tired or have nothing to do.

As we enjoy the abundant blessings that 2010 will bring, will you also pledge to always give God the FIRST and the BEST?

Created over 2 years ago