During Old Testament times, when farmers approached harvest time, they would go into the fields and harvest a representative portion of their crops. They would bring this to the priests, who would offer these crops as a sacrifice to the Lord. These offerings are referred to as the "first-fruits," and became the foundation of our practice of tithing. A person of the first-fruits is one who offers his first and his finest to the Lord with a spirit of gratitude and commitment.

I want to challenge you to make a new and lasting commitment to the Lord Jesus to be people of the first-fruits. That means being willing to give of your first and your finest to our wonderful Lord.

Give Him the first of your week. Set aside the first day of the week as a time to fellowship with other believers, to study and grow from the Word of God, and to worship.

Give Him the first of your money. Give your tithes and offerings as unto the Lord, not unto men. Don't give to a program, a preacher, or a plan. Give as an expression of love for Jesus.

Give Him the first of your energy. Let Him have your "prime time" when you are the most energetic and alert. Don't offer God the leftovers of your strength and assume that He will bless it.

Give Him the first of your priorities. When in doubt, choose Jesus. When conflicting demands arise, choose Jesus. When other people, needs, organizations, and causes all clamor for your loyalty, choose Jesus.

“Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you,†Jesus said, “and he will provide you with all these other things†(Matthew 6:33, GNT).

People of the First-fruits know that is true. They have experienced it!