In our opening scripture, King David made a profound statement that revealed the premium he had set on service to God. He said to Araunah the Jebusite, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing”. At that time he was freely offered a threshing floor and the oxen for sacrifice by Araunah. However King David rejected the offer and paid for both the threshing floor and the oxen. David had deep value for his service unto God. Don’t give to God that which you don’t value. David would have been happy to accept the offer from Araunah but he was the one to make the offering not Araunah. Don’t be happy with others giving for you when you can. Value highly your service to God. Think about what God paid to secure salvation for mankind. 1 Peter 1:18-19 reveals the endearing value our salvation, “For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw”. Our salvation costed Him the life of His dear Son, Jesus. He gave the best to secure the eternal salvation for mankind. Therefore you must emulate God’s example in your service. Make mediocrity unacceptable in your service for God. Ephesians 5:1 enjoins us, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children”. Set premium value in what you offer to God. He deserves your best.

What value do you put on your service for God? That value is revealed in the quality of your service to Him. Think about your offering, of what quality is it? It is something that is of value to you? You don’t serve God with left overs which are insignificant and worthless in your eyes and anticipate God to receive such.

There are those who give for an offering to God that which can’t even buy anything on the market, which means it’s of no value to them. This is irreverence towards God. That was Cain’s attitude in presenting his offering which God didn’t accept because of its flawed value. He didn’t choose the best for God but rather chose the portion which was not even dear on his heart. God asked Cain upon seeing his frustration that his offering was not accepted: “Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it” (Genesis 4:7 Septuagint). This shows that Cain did not pick the right produce to offer to God. He offered what was compromised in value. Don’t give flawed and defected offerings to God. Always give that which you truly value. The quality of your service shows the extent of your love for the Lord.