Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.

The celebration takes on profound significance when honoring God with the first fruits of our lives. Biblical guidance instructs us, highlighting the crucial lesson of offering the best to God, remembering that He gave everything for us on the Cross of Calvary. The teaching is clear: we cannot serve both God and wealth simultaneously. We are urged to choose God as our only love and priority, recognizing that He must take the first place in our lives.

The importance of bringing children to church is compared to other beneficial decisions for them, such as school education. Providing children with a meaningful legacy involves teaching them about God, the Gospel, and wisdom to manage the resources given by Him. The “fear of God” manifests as recognition and respect for Him in daily life. It is essential to prioritize God, as Jesus represents constancy and a reliable source in our lives.

As human beings and parents, we face challenges despite placing God in the priority position. Imperfection is part of our reality, and although we learn to raise our children through trials and errors, God’s guidance has accompanied us thus far.

Prioritizing God does not imply abandoning responsibilities such as work or family but rather putting Jesus above all things. Loving God with all our heart, mind, and strength is established as the fundamental commandment, serving as the foundation for everything else, remembering that the Lord’s work advances thanks to the commitment of its members.

The importance of the annual offering is presented as a tangible expression that God occupies the first place in life. First fruits are highlighted as something special that redeems the rest of the year, reflecting gratitude towards God.

The story of Abraham illustrates his willingness to offer his son as a test of obedience and faith. Our gifts reflect our gratitude towards God, providing proportionally to the blessings received. Giving first fruits represents the first and the best of what we have received from God, a practice carried out with freedom and joy.

The importance of offering God the best of our offerings stands out as an expression of gratitude. The practice of giving 10% of our salary is linked to divine valuation of sacrifice over quantity. This act should be done with joy, reflecting our gratitude for the resurrection of Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15, where it is established that Christ is the first fruits of those who will rise.

The divine promise of provision and abundance for those who honor God with their possessions and first fruits reinforces the importance of this act of devotion.

Sincerely, Pastor Guillermo Ayala.

Biblical references:

• Genesis 39:10
• 1 Corinthians 15
• Genesis 4