First Things in the Jar

You have probably seen the jar illustration. Pour in sand first, then pebbles, and there is no room left for the big rocks. Put the big rocks in first, and the pebbles and sand settle in around them. It is the same jar either way. Only the order changes.

Scripture has its own word for this: firstfruits. “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” Israel didn’t give God what was left at the end of the harvest. They gave him the first of it, before they knew how the rest would turn out.

Our time works the same way. If God gets whatever is left after work, errands and screens, he won’t get much. If he gets the first part, the rest of the day has a way of fitting around it.

Before this week fills up, put the big rocks in. Time with God. Time with the people you love. Then let the sand go where it goes.