Leftovers

 “Are we having that again?” a dissatisfied person may ask at mealtime. The cook’s probable response? “Yes, and eat it or leave hungry.”

Our family doesn’t mind leftovers; we see them as God’s given blessings. Even our little dog gets excited when he hears us scrapping the plates after dinner. But not everyone shares our sentiments about leftovers. God doesn’t.

Everything we own or have achieved in this life comes from the One who created everything that exists. How we must offend Him when we make our plans, check off every chore on our to-do lists, and then “scrape our plates,” telling God, “This is for You.” God was specific in what He expected from His people thousands of years ago—His commands have not changed. He does not accept leftovers, seconds, or half-hearted service. We honor the Highest when we give back to Him the first fruits of what He put on our plates: our family, successes, time, talents, spiritual gifts, and finances. God commands that we love Him above all else; He is pleased when we are devoted to serving Him and others before helping ourselves with a portion of His blessings.

Give your best to the Master who loves you beyond measure and supplies for every need: “Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9– 10).