Giving God Your Best

“The king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.’” 2 Samuel 24:24 NASB

After David had displeased God by holding a census, Israel experienced a plague. When “the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it,” God ordered the angel to stop. The point was a threshing floor that belonged to Araunah.

Because of the importance of this place, the prophet, Gad, told David to build an altar there. Araunah offered to donate the land, but, to David, this was not acceptable. The principle to him was simple: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.”

Eventually Araunah allowed David to buy the land. An altar was built, and “the Lord was moved by prayer for the land, and the plague was held back from Israel.” But David demonstrated how much he loved God by giving Him something of real value.

David knew that we need to give God our best. Looking at our hearts, He sees what is important to us. And we demonstrate our priorities by what we do with our time, abilities, and possessions.

We remember that Jesus told how a poor widow who had given an offering of two mites had, in His eyes, given more than anyone else (Mark 12:43). She had given God her very best.

In your life, remember that God deserves your best, in everything you do. Show Him how important He is to you by your actions and attitudes. Never compromise, and always seek to serve Him with passion and excellence. Spend quality time with Him in prayer and Bible reading.

And put your energy and resources into the things of God. Don’t hold back. And make His Kingdom your highest priority!

Prayer: Father, I want to give You the best in my life. I want to spend quality time with You, and give You the best of my time, talent, and treasure. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.