Before Christ, God’s people were commanded to tithe, which means to give one-tenth of their income. By tithing to God, they recognized God’s kingship and rule over them. As Matthew 6:24 puts starkly, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” When we give to God, we similarly acknowledge Him as our Lord.
They also brought to God the firstfruits of their produce and livestock–the first fruits, not the last remaining fruits. Likewise, we do not offer what is expendable to us, but what is precious to us. Jesus taught that “where [our] treasure is, there [our] heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Our hearts follow our treasures. Therefore, giving is an essential act of worship that ensures that our desires, priorities, and commitments reflect the heart of God.