Placing God First

When Nehemiah returned to Babylon, he found conditions that disturbed him. People had been selfish, pursuing their own interests, and forgetting about God’s house. The rooms of His house needed to be cleansed, and the articles needed to be returned to their proper places.

The people had been commanded and taught to give to support the work of God, but they had stopped giving. As a result, lacking resources, God’s servants had to abandon their work.

When Nehemiah confronted the Jewish leaders, he asked, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” They might have thought that giving was optional, but he made them realize that this was central to their relationship with God. When they did not give to God, they actually were forsaking His house.

Convicted by this reminder, everyone responded, bringing their tithes into His storehouse. As a result, His work could be continued.

The Bible reminds us that we always should seek first God’s kingdom, with our time and resources (Matthew 6:33). That we always reap whatever we sow (Galatians 6:7). That when we give, God promises that “it will be given to you” and we will receive an abundant harvest, “for with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

There also are consequences when we do not sow. If we don’t sow, we won’t reap.

The Bible explains that God has given us time, talent, and treasure, and many opportunities to use these gifts. When we give to God, we help spread the Gospel and open the door to His abundant blessings.

Make sure that you are being faithful with the resources God has given you. And make His Kingdom first in your life.