The concept of "First Fruits" in the Bible reflects a profound principle of gratitude, trust, and faith. Rooted in scripture, it teaches us to prioritize giving as a way to honor God and acknowledge His provision in our lives and businesses. But what does this look like in practice, especially for modern entrepreneurs?

What Are First Fruits?

In old testament times, the Israelites were  instructed to offer the first part of their harvest to God as a way of showing gratitude and dependence on Him. Proverbs 3:9-10 emphasizes this:
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the First fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

For business owners today, the principle remains relevant. It’s not about crops but about prioritizing God with the “firsts” of our income, efforts, and successes. This act is a celebration and acknowledgment that everything we have is a blessing from Him.

The Spiritual Impact of First Fruits

Giving first fruits shifts our focus from self-reliance to God-reliance. It requires trust that He will provide for our needs as we step out in faith. By offering the first portion of what we earn or produce, we train our hearts to:

• Cultivate Gratitude: Acknowledge that all success and provision come from God.

  

• Release Selfishness: Let go of the attachment to money or resources as the ultimate source of security.

  

• Demonstrate Faith: Trust that giving won’t lead to lack but will position us to receive more blessings.

  

Praying over your giving is important because it's an act of dedicating your gift to God.

It's a way to:

• Clarify your intentions: You're explicitly saying to God, "This is for you, not for recognition or personal gain."

  

• Prioritize your relationship with God: By praying, you acknowledge God's role in your life and your desire to put Him first.

• Express trust: Giving sacrificially can be challenging. Praying over your gift shows you trust God and believe He will provide for your needs.

  

  Essentially, praying over your giving transforms it from a simple transaction to an act of worship and devotion.

How Entrepreneurs Can Practice First Fruits

The principle of first fruits can take different forms in the business world. Here are practical examples:

• First Sale of a New Product: When you launch a new service or product, dedicate the first earnings as an offering of gratitude.

  

• First Profits of the Year: Dedicate the revenue from the first week or month to express gratitude to God for the year ahead.

  

• New Partnerships: When forming a new collaboration, give from the initial profits to celebrate and invite God’s blessing over the venture.

  

These acts are not about the amount but the heart behind the giving. They celebrate God’s provision and express faith in His continued guidance. 

It's also a good practice to give a substantive gift to God because He always rewards our honoring Him with a good measure and running over measure of blessings.

The Benefits of Giving First Fruits

Beyond the spiritual blessings, giving first fruits has a ripple effect:

• Builds a Generous Spirit: It encourages a mindset of abundance, knowing that God will meet your needs.

  

• Strengthens Trust in God: It reinforces the belief that your success depends on Him, not just your efforts.

  

• Attracts Blessings: As Proverbs promises, honoring God with your wealth brings overflow and abundance.
  

A Joyful Celebration

Giving first fruits is a joyful occasion, a moment to celebrate God’s goodness and reflect on His faithfulness. Whether it’s your first sale, your first paycheck, or the start of a new season, approach it with thanksgiving and faith.

Remember, it’s not about legalism but about cultivating a heart posture that honors God in all that you do. As you put Him first in your finances and business, you’ll experience not just material blessings but a deeper alignment with His purpose for your life.

So what first fruits can your business bring before God's altar today?

Visit www.shebuildslegacy.co for more inspiration and resources on embracing your journey beyond the comfort zone.