As many of you know, in addition to this men’s Bible study, I am part of an online one that I use as my personal devotion every morning. My friend, and, old mentor, to whom I have referred many times in here, leads this online men’s group. His name is Todd Lavine, and he is now a professional Christian counselor.
One of the best parts of this morning group is that many people make comments online which I read every day. Throughout the last couple years many of them will use this phrase, “first and best.“ Todd himself will say this at least weekly. I never knew exactly what it meant, but I kind of figured I knew at least the tone with which he was using it.
Last week, he was kind enough to make a link to the group where he wrote out exactly what he means by “first and best“ I will provide a link to his essay at the bottom of the study, but for this, I’m going to turn it into a devotional.
Opening Discussion Questions
- What comes to mind when you hear the word “transform”?
- What tends to get your “first and best” time each day?
- What obstacles keep men from giving God their first and best?
Giving God Your First and Best
The theme “first and best” is ultimately a call to relationship and transformation. The idea is simple yet deeply biblical:
God desires the first and best of our time, affection, thoughts, and attention—not our leftovers.
This devotional explores how God transforms us when we place Him first.
1. Transformation Begins With the Mind
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
Commentary:
Paul writes this to believers in Rome, a city soaked in pagan culture, pleasure, and political power. Believers were constantly pressured to blend in. Paul’s word “conformed” describes being pressed into a mold. “Transformed”(Greek: metamorphoō) speaks of an inward renewal by the Spirit. Transformation begins when God gets access to our first thoughts, not our last scraps of attention.
Questions:
- What ideas or habits press you into the world’s mold?
- What part of your mind needs renewal first thing in the morning?
In Todd‘s opening paragraph of his “first and best” essay, he says that he was driving one day and God spoke to him. And God said “Todd, please tell the people I’ve sent to you that I deeply and desperately want to be in a relationship with them and that I want the “first and best“ of their time every day. Not their leftovers, but they’re “first and best“ every day. And Todd, if they do this, I will move in their lives and marriage, and begin to transform them!“
There are times in our lives when God will speak to you in one way or another. When those times have the greatest effect, and if we are willing to listen, it can change our life. This is one such time for him, and because of it, it will exponentially reach others through his teaching, and even here tonight.
Why would God speak that directly to him? He believes it is because God desperately desires to be in a deep meaningful relationship with us, his creation.
2. God Desires Relationship Because He Is Our Creator
Revelation 4:11 (ESV)
“For you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Commentary:
This scene is from John’s vision of heaven. The elders worship God because creation itself flows from His will. Historically, this reinforced early Christian belief in a personal Creator, not an impersonal force. God wants relationship because He is the One who made us intentionally—not accidentally.
Questions:
- How does remembering God created you shape your willingness to give Him your best time?
3. We Were Created for Him
Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
“All things were created through him and for him.”
Commentary:
Paul counters false teachings in Colossae that treated Jesus as one spiritual being among many. Instead, Paul elevates Christ as Creator and Sustainer. This means our purpose and identity flow from Him. If we were created for Christ, then giving Him our “first and best” is simply living according to design.
Questions:
- If you were created for Christ, what does that say about how your day should begin?
4. God Made Us in His Image—Relationship Is Built In
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
“God created man in His own image…”
Commentary:
The ancient world believed mankind existed to serve the gods through forced labor. Scripture reveals something utterly different: humans bear God’s image. This means relational capacity—communication, creativity, moral reflection—is built into our design. God desires relationship because we were crafted for it.
Questions:
- If God designed you for relationship with Him, what happens when that relationship is not prioritized?
5. God Calls Us Friends, Not Servants
John 15:14–15 (ESV)
“I have called you friends…”
Commentary:
Jesus speaks these words the night before His crucifixion. In the ancient world, a “friend of the king” had intimate access and trust. Jesus elevates His disciples—and us—to that kind of closeness. Friendship requires time, honesty, and priority. God wants your first and best because He seeks friendship, not ritual.
Questions:
- What habits help you treat Jesus as a friend rather than a distant authority?
6. God Walks With Us and Helps Us
Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)
“I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand…”
Commentary:
Spoken to Israel during fear and exile, this verse communicates tenderness. In the ancient Near East, the right hand was the symbol of strength and agency. God holding our right hand means He supports our strength with His strength. That relationship is strengthened when we give Him our first and best, not our leftovers.
Questions:
- How have you experienced God “holding your hand” when you gave Him your first attention?
7. God Patiently Pursues Us
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
“…not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Commentary:
Peter writes to believers questioning Christ’s delay in returning. He explains the delay is not neglect—it is patience. God relentlessly pursues relationship, waiting for us to respond. This patience demonstrates His desire for our full hearts.
Questions:
- How does God’s patience encourage you to pursue Him more intentionally?
8. Jesus Stands at the Door and Knocks
Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”
Commentary:
Jesus speaks to the lukewarm church of Laodicea—wealthy, busy, self-sufficient. They had spiritual leftovers. Jesus desires table fellowship, a sign of intimacy in the first-century world. He wants to enter daily life, not be squeezed in around the edges.
Questions:
- What parts of your daily schedule keep the door closed to Jesus?
9. God Gave His First and Best—Christ
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Commentary:
Paul highlights the radical nature of grace. In the ancient world, gods demanded sacrifice from worshipers. The gospel reverses that pattern—God gives the sacrifice for us. He gave His first and best to win our hearts. Our response is to give Him our first and best in return.
Questions:
- If God gave His best for you, what would it look like to offer your best back to Him each morning?
Closing Reflection
The call to give God our first and best is not about legalism or performing well as Christian men.
It is an invitation to transformation, relationship, and intimacy with the God who created us, loves us, calls us friends, and gave His Son for us.
How would life be different if we understand and apply that truth?.”