No Leftovers for God

"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37, NIV).

I have family members that complain about leftovers. Children grumble about eating leftovers from the night before. There are even those who refuse to partake in leftovers. I for one, enjoy leftovers for it seems flavors are enhanced as they sit. Also, I don't want anything to be wasted or lost. (For being lost there is always a cost).

I am reminded of an example in the Bible where leftovers were being collected after Jesus fed the multitude (John 6:11-13). He was teaching that the presence of leftovers could be a promise that God isn't done with us yet and that there will be a provision of food and nourishment for another day.

What I am referring to today, however, is as leftovers have their place they should not be so with God. For with giving God only our leftovers we are showing Him disrespect, dishonor, and a lack of trust. How much time do put into preparing meals, planning events, choosing gifts for others, or just doing our own thing, only to neglect putting God first? Do we put God first in the things we think, say, or do in our daily lives? Are we living out obedient faith daily? Sadly, some only give God a few seconds of prayer, a minute or two of Bible reading, and an honorable mention now and again, and they think it is enough.

Please be reminded that by giving God your firsts and not what is left over, you are showing Him the honor He deserves. He is our heavenly, spiritual Father that adores us dearly and we should return the adoration to Him firstly each and every day and throughout our day in all that we are doing. He deserves our absolute best, not last or left over. Let us stop presenting Him with halfhearted offerings. May we give God His rightful place in our lives and truly honor Him.

"Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth" (Ps. 47:1-2, NKJV).

Father, please forgive my not honoring You as I should. Help me to give You my very best today and every day, just as You deserve. Thank You for always providing us with the very best - Jesus Your Son. In His holy name, Amen.