Fat Portions of the Firstborn

In the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), we read that Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord while Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The discrepancy between these two offerings is worth mentioning since the Lord's response to the two offerings was different.

The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. Genesis 4:5 NIV

Many of us today are just like Cain. We put all of our time, treasure and talent into things that don't express an appropriate response to God's grace and love. As a result, we don't receive all the blessings that God has for us. Then we turn around and get mad at God for not giving to us what we want.

God wants our fat portions from the firstborn. He doesn't want some of the fruits. In other words, He wants us to respond to Him first. He wants us to respond with extravagance and generosity. He wants us to trust that what we give to Him will be multiplied and returned to us (see Malachi 3:6-12).

When we get our paychecks, I believe the first check that is written should be the tithe check. It's the fat portion of the first fruits - not some of what is left over. Our attitude towards serving in ministry and time spent with God should be the same. If someone was to look at my calendar, I'd want them to see that my priority is spending time with the Lord and serving Him through ministry.