I hate leftovers. With several of our older kids now at college, we are still trying to adjust the quantity we cook for dinners each night. Some nights, the little kids will eat well but other nights – not so much. As a result, we end up with leftovers in the fridge. Years ago, I used to refuse to take them in my lunch and while I have matured past that stage, I still take them begrudgingly.

On the other hand, Goodwill and other thrift stores have made big business on people’s leftover goods. We clean out our attics, closets and garages and feel we are doing something good by donating them instead of throwing them out. For many, their attitudes toward church are similar. The church is supposed to be happy for any “extras” that people throw their way. It makes people feel good about themselves as if they have done some great thing by giving their seconds to be recycled for the Lord’s work.

But all throughout Scripture, God has made clear that His people are to bring Him their BEST. Regarding sacrifices in Deuteronomy 17:1, He says that it is “an abomination unto the LORD thy God” to give anything less than the best you have available to you. God doesn’t want your seconds. He is not like Goodwill. Your time, talent and treasure have been given to you from God to accomplish His purposes in you and through your church.

While the sacrificial system is long gone for believers, we still need to have a heart of sacrifice. Romans 12:1 tells us that you are to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Everything about your life – every area of it – is to be a SACRIFICE to God. Ask yourself these questions to help identify whether you are giving God your leftovers or your best:

1. Is it a priority for you to be at church for ALL services or do you plan other activities during church times and only come when it is convenient?
2. Do you give money to God BEFORE you pay your other bills or do you give from what is left AFTER other things are paid out?
3. Do you come to church dressed in your BEST clothes or just what is most comfortable to you?
4. Do you sing out in church with ALL your heart as if your favorite song had just come on the radio?
5. Do you SET ASIDE time each day to spend with the Lord in Bible study and prayer? Or do you only do it when you “have extra time”?

Why won’t God accept a second-hand sacrifice? It is not truly a SACRIFICE to give what has no inherent value to you. God wants your best, not your leftovers. He doesn’t want you to rummage through the back of your “closet” to find something to give to Him. He is not just another “worthy cause” to contribute to when you find something extra to give. God expects your first-fruits - the very best of what He has given you in your life… only then will it truly be a sacrifice worthy to be offered to Him.