During the Feast of Trumpets at the Temple in Jerusalem approximately two thousand years ago, offerings were a central aspect of the observance. The animal sacrifices, including bulls, rams, lambs, and goats, were specially selected as the very best of their species. Alongside these were offerings of cereal flour, olive oil, wine, and alcoholic beverages, all of the highest quality. Those who presented these offerings took great care in selecting the finest specimens and in their preparation and sacrifice. The quantity and value of these Temple offerings were staggering, reflecting the immense dedication to ensuring they met the highest standards. Today, while our offerings are predominantly monetary, the principle of quality remains vital. The attitude, thought, effort, and preparation that go into our offerings are what matter most. Even in financially challenging times, God sees, understands, and appreciates the efforts of His people. The purpose of emphasizing offerings during the holy days is to inspire giving with the proper attitude and for the right reasons. As we approach the fall holy days, we are encouraged to consider, plan, and give offerings of the highest possible quality, reflecting the care and dedication seen in the Temple sacrifices of old.

In the spirit of preparing for God's holy days, we recognize that the principles behind offerings remain unchanged despite economic differences from Old Testament times. Though our offerings today are primarily monetary, the essence of giving remains the same. We are to give God our best, not as an afterthought, but with serious consideration, prayer, and meditation on the amount we offer. Our offering should cost us something, reflecting deep thought about its quality. When considering what benefit we gain from giving, we must remember that God, in His wisdom, does not create anything with a single purpose. Offerings are designed for both our benefit and His. Economically, offerings teach us financial management through the process of mapping and budgeting. Mapping involves detailed planning of our resources, akin to using an accurate map to reach a destination. By budgeting our time and money, we gain a thorough understanding of our resources and can make informed decisions on how much to give as an offering. This process helps us become cheerful givers, as God loves, giving not grudgingly or out of necessity but with purpose in our hearts. Creating value through offerings is not about God needing our money, but about His investment in us. As illustrated in the Parable of the Talents, God endows us with gifts to employ and improve, akin to monetary investments that grow over time. The story of the poor widow who gave all she had, though it was only a mite, shows the importance of giving as we are able, optimizing what we have. The true value lies not in the dollar amount but in our growth to be more like God, benefiting Him as His investment in us gains tremendous value. Ultimately, an offering is a financial tool God designed to help us optimize our finances, ensuring we give our best and move closer to being in His image.