Delayed Giving

Is delayed giving ever okay? The short answer is no.

“You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices.”—Exodus 22:29 NKJV

Tithes and offerings were central to the relationship between God and His people. While the Bible provides many details about giving, this very first mention of an offering in the Law focuses on an important aspect of our stewardship—we “shall not delay” our offerings.

This was significant to God, because He knows how easily we can put things off. It can be easy for us to be distracted, putting our focus on personal issues and priorities rather than on the things of God. When we delay our offerings, we demonstrate that we’ve missed the Bible’s primary point about stewardship: God must be first in every area of our lives.

When we choose the first things we do, we reveal what is most important to us. God stressed this by asking us to give Him our “firstfruits.” He wants us to develop a habit of giving Him an offering from “the firstfruits of your labors” (Exodus 23:16). “The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 34:26).

Today, demonstrate that God has first place in your life. As we seek His Kingdom first, we display our faith in Him. Look for every opportunity to sow financial seeds into His Kingdom and fulfill your promises to Him. Develop a habit of giving to Him first, confident that He will supply your needs.

Reflection Question: How are you giving Jesus your firstfruits today?