Giving less than our best

Solomon was wise in many ways and apparently a sharp businessman.  But sometimes, he would get too sharp. 

We see this in his dealings with Hiram, the king of Tyre. 

Hiram had been a friend to David, and was now a friend to Solomon.  Because of this friendship, he contributed a great deal to the building of Solomon’s palace and to the temple of the Lord.

Solomon, in turn, pledged to give Hiram twenty towns because of all he had done. But when Solomon did so, he only gave Hiram towns of little worth. 

As a result, Hiram complained, saying,

What kind of towns are these you have given me, my brother? (1 Kings 9:13)

And the Bible says Hiram named the towns Cabul, which means “good for nothing.” 

One could argue that Solomon had made no promises as to the value of the towns he would give, but it was hardly the way to treat a business partner, no less a friend.

I wonder, though, how often we do the same thing with God. 

How often do we give him a pittance of our time, a pittance of our money, or a pittance of our efforts? 

In other words, we give him less than our best. 

If Hiram was displeased by the “gifts” he received from Solomon, how much more would the King of kings be displeased when we offer less than our best to him.

When God looks at the things you offer him, would he say that they were “good for nothing.”

I’m not saying that God is interested in how much you give him, per se. 

A poor widow once gave but two small coins to God, and Jesus was much more pleased with that gift than the larger gifts offered by the rich.  (Mark 12:41-44).

What God is interested in is your heart.  Does he have your heart? 

When you give of your time, your money, or your efforts, are you giving him the leftovers?  The things you don’t need?  Or are you giving him the first and best of what you have?

Don’t you think the King of kings is worth that much?