The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness, the world, and those who dwell in it.

— Psalm 24:1

A key principle of Christian stewardship that is taught throughout the Bible is the principle of the “first fruits.” God has said that the first fruits belong to Him. This means that we demonstrate our acknowledgement that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof by returning unto Him what He requires, namely the first fruits of all that He gives to us. Not the middle fruits or the last fruits, and not after “I see if I am going to have something left over” to give. No, we start by, in faith, giving to Him the first fruits.

Here are the five principles of stewardship:

• The earth is the Lord’s.
• God wants us before our wealth.
• We are to bring the first fruits of all that we receive.
• They are defined in the test of the tithe.
• If we pass the test, there are great blessings in store for us.

Question to ponder:
Have you tried to give to the Lord generously of your time, your talents, and your material blessings?