Acceptable Offerings

December 13, 2015 Background Scripture: Leviticus 22:17 – 33; 23:9 – 14, 31 – 33; Deuteronomy 22:6, 7; Micah 6:6 – 8; Isaiah 1:10 – 20; Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 10:14 – 22 Lesson Passage: Leviticus 22:17 – 25, 31 – 33 When we believe that the one receiving is the most blessed, then our attitude about giving is anything but what God requires of us. With this attitude, the giver is likely to think that he is bestowing the blessings himself. However, if we begin with the precepts about giving that are found in the word of God, then our understanding—and hence our attitude—about giving will be quite different. Through the bible, God shares much about giving and receiving. A very important biblical precept is not included in the background scriptures but it says “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When our thinking is twisted about the human act of giving to others, then it can be difficult to understand God’s requirements concerning our gifts to Him. God requires that we respect His choice of human channels through whom we are to give gifts to Him—or through whom He will receive them. Sadly, many never make it pass that stumbling block. Once we get beyond the people God uses, we are then expected to understand and comply with God’s standard of acceptability of offerings. This may be a newsflash for some: God does not have to accept whatever we choose to give Him! I warn you not to get too far “off the chain” because God may choose to take it all from you and give it to someone who will honor His standard. So let’s look to the bible to gain an understanding of God’s standard of acceptability of offerings. First, offer one’s self to God by being just, merciful, and humble. In other words, we should first make sure our vessels are acceptable to God by examining our attitude and motives concerning giving. We offer ourselves to God by allowing our character to be shaped by the word of God. We accept what God says in His word as the standard for right and wrong. No matter how perfect the gift or offering, it is made acceptable or unacceptable by the character of the giver. Perhaps some people insist you should take whatever they offer you because they do not yet realize this. Or, they don’t want their character to be examined in light of the gift or maybe the gift is being used as a smokescreen to hide some character flaw. I am suspicious of people who believe the worth of the gift is based on the fact that they are the ones offering it. Secondly, offerings for God should be brought to God’s house or the place(s) where God chooses to place His name. How do we know if a location is such a place? We know by the fruits of those who congregate there. God is at work in His house and the results speak for themselves. If the congregation convening at a specific location is being led by God, their works will manifest it. If they are doing the works of God, then this is a proper place to bring an offering for God. Your offering should not have a blemish, or in other words, should be what you would desire to keep for yourself. If it is being offered in thanksgiving, then it should be a freewill offering and not coerced or the amount determined by someone else. We should offer the first fruits to God and only consume for ourselves after this offering is made. After we have humbled ourselves, we honor God by giving Him the first and the best of what we have. This is an acceptable offering. Robert C. Hudson November 16, 2015