WISDOM FROM GOD – “HONOUR THE LORD WITH THY SUBSTANCE”

Christians are primarily called to be worshippers of the LORD God Almighty, more than anything else. Every thought, word and deed that proceeds out of us, is expected to be an act of worship to the LORD Jesus Christ, for all what we have received of Him, even though we do not deserve anything except hellfire.

Let us continue our study of Proverbs chapter three to explore the wisdom of God contained in its verses. Let us read Proverbs 3:9-10, and look at verse nine for this morning’s devotion.
– “9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10

Proverbs 3:9 says…
– “9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:” – Proverbs 3:9

Here we are called to HONOUR or worship the LORD our God with our “SUBSTANCE” or wealth, and with the “FIRSTFRUITS” all our increase or prosperity. This includes, our time, our talents, our possessions including our families and children. Let us break it down into smaller pieces and try to glean the wisdom of God for our lives. 

1- HONOUR THE LORD WITH THY SUBSTANCE
The above words are a clear and purposeful call to us, which has in its implementation, the power to reveal our hearts, and where our allegiances truly are.

– HONOUR THE LORD
Honouring is nothing but worshipping the LORD God Almighty. This tells us clearly who is to be worshipped; and who it is, who has to worship. As the “redeemed People of God,” if we mix up our priorities of worship, we will fall into the same trap as did Lucifer of old, when he began to worship himself, instead of His LORD and Creator.

– WITH THY SUBSTANCE
The specific call to us, here in this verse is, to worship the LORD Jesus with all our substance or our wealth. Since it is by the grace and mercy of God we progress and prosper, it should be but natural for us, to worship the One who has enabled us to get all what we have. This is absolutely critical for us as Christians and the “Called out People of God.”
– “12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” – 1 Chronicles 29:12-14
– “17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.” – Deuteronomy 8:17-19

2- HONOUR THE LORD WITH THE FIRSTFRUITS OF ALL THINE INCREASE
We are called through the above words, to worship our LORD and our God with the best portions of all our blessings. These words, which form the second half of Proverbs 3:9, are a repetition of the first part. It is also, an expansion and an explanation of the first half of the Proverbs 3:9, in a clearer and detailed manner. This is done so that, the reader, that is you and me, would not miss the most crucial point of all.

– HONOUR THE LORD WITH THE FIRSTFRUITS
We are called as the “Chosen People of God” to worship the LORD with the FIRSTFRUITS. They are not only the first fruits of all things in our lives; but also, the BEST FRUITS of all things in our lives. This is our “Abraham offering Isaac” moment. Will we pass this test like Abraham did?

– THE FIRSTFRUITS OF ALL THINE INCREASE
Have we noticed the emphasis on “ALL THINE INCREASE” in the words above? This is placed intentionally, to simply make it clear to us, beyond any doubt that, we are to worship the LORD our God with all that we are blessed with. Yes, ALL THAT WE ARE BLESSED WITH.
– “19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God…” – Exodus 23:19a
– “29 “You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. 30 Likewise you shall do with your oxen and your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me. 31 “And you shall be holy men to Me…” – Exodus 22:29-31a

How is it going with us, dear brothers and sisters? Are we truly worshipping the LORD Jesus Christ? Or, is our worship all words and no deeds? Such a worship is no worship at all dear friends. Instead, it is an insult to the LORD who had graciously and generously blessed us. May we be true worshippers of the LORD Jesus Christ. May we “WORSHIP THE LORD WITH THE FIRSTFRUITS OF ALL OUR INCREASE.” Even so, the LORD help us.