Giving to God First

If you have children, you've been there. Four hundred children surrounding the birthday boy or girl, drooling over the pile of gifts about to be opened. With each opened gift the crowd inches closer and closer until two or three kids think it would be "helpful" to assist in what must be a difficult task of opening so many gifts. They are feverishly impatient, however, as the honoree has to obediently open the card first. What a drag. The anticipation of the newest, shiniest, coolest toy has been building for the last 364 days of the child’s life, and now the only things standing between the child and the climax of a year’s worth of waiting are two things; the sweet sound of paper ripping, and the obligation to read the card first. Even if the gift was sent from 1,000 miles away from someone they barely know, it's always card first and present second. To a six-year old child it is a mild form of torture. But we are taught that it's polite to read the card first, then turn to the giver and acknowledge their kindness by saying, "Thank you." Even though it delays the gratification, the card serves two very important purposes. First, it expresses the personal feelings of care, friendship and love for the recipient. By reading the card first, the receiver shows that he cares more about the person who gave the gift, than about the gift itself. Second, the card it identifies from whom the gift was received. The children of Israel also were required to wait for a much-anticipated event. Harvest was and still is a crucial time in any agricultural society. If there were any interruptions or delays in the harvest it could mean disaster and financial ruin, not to mention possible social collapse. Ask any farmer the angst associated with harvest time. On one hand, there is relief that the time has finally come. On the other hand, there is a small window of opportunity to maximize the harvest potential before a crop starts to spoil. Under the Old Law, the children of Israel were required to give the first fruits of their crops. “The best of the first fruits of yourground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God." (Exodus 23:19) So, what about today? Is it just as important to give to first to God? There are two principles and a warning that help express why it is important now more than ever. We cover both of these principles in The Joy of Generosity class.