Living a First Fruits Lifestyle: Putting God First in Everything
In a world that often prioritizes self-sufficiency, accumulation, and comfort, God calls His people to live with open hands and surrendered hearts. One of the most powerful ways we demonstrate that surrender is by putting Him first in our finances.
Understanding how to honor God with our resources is an essential step in spiritual maturity. While tithing and giving are not conditions for salvation—salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9)—they are critical biblical principles for living under God’s blessing and aligning with His Kingdom economy.
When we give to God first, we’re not just making a financial decision—we’re making a spiritual declaration: “God, You are Lord over my life—and I trust You above all.”
What Are the Four Types of Biblical Giving?
The Bible outlines four key ways God’s people are called to give. Each of these reflects a different aspect of His character and meets a unique spiritual and practical need.
1. Tithe – Giving 10% of Income
The tithe is the first tenth of your income, given to God as an act of obedience and honor. Though commonly associated with the Old Covenant, the principle predates the Law (Genesis 14:20) and remains a foundational practice for those who want to acknowledge God as their source. Malachi 3:10 promises that when we bring the full tithe into the storehouse, God responds with open heavens and abundant provision.
2. Alms – Giving to Those in Need
Almsgiving is giving to the poor and needy out of compassion. Jesus taught that when we give in secret to help others, our Father who sees in secret will reward us (Matthew 6:1–4). Alms are not about return—they’re about mercy, love, and justice.
3. Seed Faith – Strategic Giving with Expectation
Seed faith giving involves sowing financial gifts in faith, believing God for a specific harvest. This is not about manipulation or superstition—it’s about trusting God’s principle of sowing and reaping (2 Corinthians 9:6–10). Just as a farmer plants seed with expectation, we give believing that God will bring a Kingdom harvest—both spiritually and materially.
4. First Fruits – Giving the First Portion of Increase
First fruits is the practice of giving the first and best portion of new income or increase. It is separate from the tithe and is typically associated with new beginnings—a raise, a new job, the start of a new year, or unexpected provision. This offering expresses deep trust in God and places Him first before the rest of the “harvest” comes in.
What Is the First Fruits Principle?
The principle of first fruits is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. In agricultural societies like ancient Israel, about 2–2.5% of crops would ripen before the rest of the harvest. These early-ripened fruits were known as “first fruits,” and God instructed His people to bring them to Him as a sacred offering (Exodus 23:19, Proverbs 3:9).
This act served two primary purposes:
1. It honored God as the One who provided the harvest.
2. It expressed faith in His continued provision for the rest of the season.
By giving the first, the people were declaring, “I trust that more is coming.”
This wasn’t just a ritual; it was a prophetic act of surrender, expectation, and worship. God promised that honoring Him with the first would bring blessing to the rest (Proverbs 3:9–10).
How Does First Fruits Apply Today?
Today, most of us don’t live off literal crops, but we still experience financial “harvests.” Raises, bonuses, tax returns, commissions, business income, and other forms of increase are all opportunities to practice the first fruits principle.
Giving the first portion of your increase to God communicates:
• Trust – “God, You are my source.”
• Faith – “I believe more is coming.”
• Worship – “You are worthy of my first and best.”
• Lordship – “Everything I have comes from You.”
You might give the first paycheck of a new job, a portion of your first quarter business earnings, or the first part of a commission or bonus. The amount matters less than the posture—it’s an intentional act of putting God first.
Why Trust is Essential
You can’t live a first fruits lifestyle without trust. Biblical trust is more than mental agreement—it’s a deep, secure confidence in the goodness and faithfulness of God, even when logic doesn’t make sense.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5–6
Living this way means:
• Letting go of self-reliance
• Acknowledging God daily as your Provider
• Staying connected through prayer and Scripture
• Continuing to give, even in seasons of uncertainty
Trust isn’t proven when things are easy. It’s proven when giving feels costly—but we give anyway because we know He is faithful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In walking out a lifestyle of giving, it’s important to check our hearts and avoid these common pitfalls:
• Treating giving like a formula or lottery
Giving is not a magic transaction; it’s a relationship of faith and obedience.
• Giving grudgingly or under compulsion
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), not one who gives out of pressure.
• Waiting to be “perfect” before participating
You don’t need to be a spiritual giant to honor God with your finances. Start now—with what you have.
• Disconnecting from God as your source
Your job, paycheck, or business is a resource—God is the Source.
• Spending increase before honoring God
It’s easy to absorb increase into lifestyle upgrades. But first fruits giving says, “Before I use this—I honor God.”
Life Application
This week, take a moment to reflect on where you are with God in your finances. Ask yourself:
• Am I truly trusting God with ALL my heart—or just certain areas?
• In what ways am I still leaning on my own understanding?
• How can I better acknowledge God in all my ways—including my budget?
• Has God provided an increase I haven’t yet honored Him with?
Challenge:
Make a commitment to honor God with the first portion of any increase you receive this week. Whether it’s a bonus, a tax refund, a new income stream, or even a small financial blessing—give the first part as an act of faith, worship, and trust.
Final Encouragement
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” – Proverbs 3:9–10
God doesn’t just want your money—He wants your heart. When you put Him first, He puts His blessing on the rest. A first fruits lifestyle isn’t about the amount—it’s about the order.
Start living with God at the top, and watch how He blesses everything that follows.
