The concept of offering our best to God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted devotion, sacrifice, and worship. This principle is rooted in the understanding that God deserves the utmost honor and reverence, as He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the practice of offering one's best is vividly illustrated through the sacrificial system. The Israelites were commanded to bring offerings that were without blemish, symbolizing purity and excellence. Leviticus 22:21 states, "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it." This requirement underscored the importance of giving God the best of what one possesses, reflecting a heart of true worship and reverence.

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 further highlights this principle. Abel's offering was accepted by God because it was given in faith and with the best of his flock, while Cain's offering was rejected due to his lack of genuine devotion. Genesis 4:4-5 records, "And Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock, and the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering."

New Testament Application

In the New Testament, the call to offer our best is expanded beyond physical sacrifices to encompass the entirety of one's life. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This passage emphasizes that offering our best involves dedicating our lives to God in service, holiness, and obedience.

The widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 serves as a poignant example of giving one's best, regardless of material wealth. Jesus commends the widow for her offering, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on" (Mark 12:43-44). Her sacrificial giving demonstrated a heart fully devoted to God.

Principles of Offering Our Best

1. Wholehearted Devotion: Offering our best requires a heart fully committed to God, as seen in the Shema, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). This commandment calls for complete dedication in every aspect of life.

2. Excellence in Service: Colossians 3:23 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This principle encourages believers to pursue excellence in all endeavors as an act of worship.

3. Sacrificial Giving: The act of giving sacrificially, as demonstrated by the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, reflects a heart that prioritizes God's kingdom over personal gain. Their generosity, despite their poverty, exemplified the spirit of offering one's best.

4. Faith and Trust: Offering our best is an expression of faith and trust in God's provision. Proverbs 3:9-10 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This promise assures believers that God honors those who honor Him with their best.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to offer our best to God is a call to live a life of devotion, excellence, and sacrificial giving. It is an acknowledgment of God's supreme worthiness and a reflection of a heart transformed by His grace. Through offering our best, believers demonstrate their love for God and their commitment to His purposes.