Giving God our best!

Time is money, does this phrase sound familiar? If it is true, as so many think it to be, then why isn't our time seen as a commodity that should be shared with God?

Malachi 1:6-8
6 “A son honors his father,
And a servant his master.
If then I am the Father,
Where is My honor?
And if I am a Master,
Where is My reverence?
Says the Lord of hosts
To you priests who despise My name.
Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’

7 “You offer defiled food on My altar,
But say,
‘In what way have we defiled You?’
By saying,
‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’
8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you favorably?”
Says the Lord of hosts.

Most people when they read this passage of scripture, think of tithes, offerings, and the sacrifices brought to the temples. I think it applies to so much more than just our material offerings to God. I see it as God wanting our best our first fruits, not just our leftovers. When we show up late, unprepared or only set aside time to pray, when we have time available, we are dishonoring God with our time.

Revelation 2:1-7
1“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

You see we have become the loveless church that is spoken of in Revelation. We have fallen away from our first love, which Jesus spoke of, the love of serving.

It makes me think of Jesus last night, when he girded Himself and washed the feet of those who were gathered with Him. In reading that passage it seemed symbolic at first, but in actuality, I believe Jesus was showing us how we should serve Him, without thought of the task, without worrying how others may think of us, serving Him by giving our best at whatever we do in His name.

Colossians 3:22-24
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.