Other Examples from My Farming
I once planted about 60 plantain stands. Only one bore fruit before they all died and it was a very large bunch. That single bunch was my first fruit from that land, so I gave it away to honor God.
Another time, I planted cucumbers. I did not eat the first ones I harvested. I gave three or four large, healthy cucumbers to my parents, who also happened to be the ones who gave me the idea to plant them.
That’s how I gave my first fruits—not by throwing food into heaven, but by giving to those who represented God’s presence and wisdom in my life. Years later, I harvested bunches of bananas that I hardly cared for from that same land. Also, the land produced a variety of vegetables and other crops. This abundance wasn’t just limited to that land, but was true for my other farmlands as well.
BEGIN THE SERIES: FIRST FRUITS (PART 1)
The Real Problem: Legalism and Fear
Many preachers have turned first fruit giving into a law. Some say, “Give your entire January salary, or God won’t bless your year.” That’s wrong.
When preachers say these things, people panic and start:
- Borrowing to give
- Withholding money owed to others
- Living in fear, etc.
That giving is not done out of honor, that’s manipulation. The Bible says, “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7)
Wouldn’t God be more honored if you paid your debts faithfully, rather than using part of that money to try to impress Him?
If you owe someone ₦10,000 and only have ₦10,000, don’t take ₦2,000 to “give to God.” Pay your debts, it’s the right thing to do (Rom. 13:8). If you must delay your giving, say to God: “Lord, I’ll show my gratitude next month.” God knows your heart, and He sees everything.
Back to the Core: It’s a Heart Issue
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
First fruit is a way to express the mindset that “God comes first.” It’s just like when you wake up in the morning and pray; it’s not a law, it’s honor. Just like greeting your parents first before your siblings, it’s order and respect.
So yes, I gave my salary, my cucumbers, and my plantain, not because a law demanded it, but because my heart honored God.
I didn’t lack, even though I gave out that bunch of plantain in a time of significant poverty in my life and my family, I had every excuse to keep it for myself; I didn’t die of hunger. But no one should be forced or frightened into doing the same.
READ ALSO: GIVING TO PEOPLE
Bottom Line
On the matter of first fruits, the Bible says what it says. Like all things, it should be done out of faith, not fear, selfish ambition, or coercion. If you choose to give some of your first salary, that’s fine. If you choose to give it all, that’s fine too.
Just don’t make it a law, don’t borrow to give it, and don’t put pressure on others. Most of all, don’t give out of fear, give out of honor to God which will translate to honor to physical and spiritual parents.
You honor God by giving to His servants (Deu 14:23, Num 18:21), but honoring your parents is an absolute must.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” Prov. 3:9
Children, honor your father and your mother… Exo. 20:12.
But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus, you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Matt 15:5-6
Dear brothers and sisters, honour those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 1 Thess. 5:12
READ NEXT: HONOUR (PART 1)
Join Pastor Ita Udoh on this episode as he answers the daring question, “Can women be Pastors?”
