27 November Deuteronomy 17

Giving Our Best to God as Leaders

Deuteronomy 17:1 (AMP) “You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or sheep with a blemish or any defect, for that is a detestable thing to the Lord your God”.

Moses reminds the leaders that they must offer their best to God. Albeit, our calling as leaders is to offer our lives as a testament to God’s greatness, giving our best in all we do. The Bible emphasises the importance of bringing our finest offerings to God. Matthew 20:26-28 (AMP) “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your [willing and humble] slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin]”.

*1. Sacrifice That Costs Us*

2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV) “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” .David’s words reveal that a true sacrifice involves personal cost. Giving our best means prioritising God over our comfort or convenience. Charles Spurgeon wrote: “The altar of sacrifice is the first step on the path to glory. What costs us little is esteemed lightly, but what costs us dearly is held as precious in the sight of God”.

*2. Becoming a Living Sacrifice*

Romans 12:1 (NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This call to be a "living sacrifice" requires us to dedicate every part of ourselves to God. As leaders, this means serving not out of obligation but out of a heart fully surrendered to God’s purpose”. Billy Graham said: "The Christian life is a life of sacrifice—a sacrifice to Christ of all we are and have”, the words of Andrew Murray encourage the same: "Let us give ourselves utterly and completely to God. Let every passion of our soul be wholly devoted to Him”.

*3. Giving Our Best*

Genesis 4:4-5 (NIV) “The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour”. Abel’s offering was favoured because he gave the first and best. This story reminds us that God sees the intention behind our offerings. As leaders, giving our best means striving for excellence and recognising that we’re ultimately serving God. John Stott wrote: "It is the heart that makes the gift dear to God. God loves the cheerful giver because it reveals the true spirit of worship”. And Tozer confirms: "God is not looking for perfection in our offerings, but for a heart willing to give Him the best we have".

*4. Serving with Excellence as for the Lord*

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. In leadership, we should aim for excellence, not human recognition but honouring God. Our ultimate King is the Lord, and every task, big or small, is an opportunity to bring Him glory. John C. Maxwell notes: "Excellence in anything increases our ability to witness. When we do things with excellence, it creates credibility and respect”, whilst Rick Warren adds a different dimension by saying: "God deserves the very best we have to offer, in our work and in our worship”.

In summary, God expects our best sacrifice to offer Him our hearts and lives, marked by dedication, cost, and excellence. Leadership rooted in God’s service is a call to give our finest, not for human praise but as a testament to His greatness.