What is Royalties?

The concept of royalties can be understood as a payment or honor given to someone in recognition of their ownership or contribution to something valuable. Biblically, this can relate to the principle of honoring God as the ultimate owner of all things and offering to Him the "royalty" or rightful dues from what He has blessed us with. Let's explore this principle through the lives of Cain and Abel, Abraham, and Jacob.

1. Cain and Abel: The Principle of Giving to God

In Genesis 4:3-5, we see the story of Cain and Abel bringing offerings to God:

"In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor."

This passage illustrates a critical distinction in their offerings to God, which highlights the principle of giving God what is rightfully His—our best. Abel brought the firstborn and the fat portions, signifying the best of what he had, while Cain brought "some" of his crops, implying it wasn’t the best or first fruits.

Here’s where the principle of royalties can apply: Just as someone is paid royalties for owning or contributing something of value, God deserves honor and the best of what we have because He is the Creator and Owner of all things. Abel’s offering was accepted because he gave God the “royalty” of his best—acknowledging God’s ownership over his livelihood. Cain’s offering, on the other hand, lacked the heart of giving God what He was truly due, and this displeased God.

This story teaches us that we must honor God by offering Him our best, recognizing Him as the source of everything we have.

2. Abraham: The Tithe to Melchizedek

Another story that illustrates this principle is Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, a priest and king, in Genesis 14:18-20:

"Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."

After Abraham’s victory in battle, he recognizes that it was God who gave him the victory and success. In response, he gives a tithe (a tenth) of the spoils to Melchizedek, who represents God. This act is a form of giving royalty to God—acknowledging His ownership and provision by offering a portion of the blessings back to Him.

This principle teaches us that, just as Abraham gave a portion of his blessings as a way to honor God, we too should offer a portion of our income, time, or resources to God in acknowledgment that He is the One who provides for and blesses us. The tithe represents a form of “royalty” we give to God, showing our recognition of His sovereignty over all we have.

3. Jacob: A Promise of Tithing to God

The principle of offering royalties or giving to God is also seen in the life of Jacob, Abraham’s grandson. After his dream of the ladder to heaven, Jacob makes a vow to God in Genesis 28:20-22:

"Then Jacob made a vow, saying, 'If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God... and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.'"

In this passage, Jacob recognizes that any future blessings he receives will come from God. In response, he promises to give God a tithe, or a tenth, of all that God provides. This reflects Jacob’s understanding of God’s ownership over his life and possessions, and it shows his commitment to give God His due share as an act of honor and gratitude.

Jacob’s vow illustrates how we, as believers, should recognize God as the source of all blessings and be willing to give back a portion—whether in tithes, offerings, or other acts of service—as a form of recognizing His authority and sovereignty.

The Principle of Royalty in Our Lives Today

The stories of Cain and Abel, Abraham, and Jacob highlight the biblical principle of royalties in relation to how we treat God’s ownership over all we have. In each case:

1. Cain and Abel: We learn the importance of giving God the best, not just an afterthought. Abel’s offering represented his understanding that God was worthy of the “first and best.”
2. Abraham: His tithe to Melchizedek was an acknowledgment that God had given him victory and that he owed God honor through his giving.
3. Jacob: His vow to give God a tenth of all his future blessings reflects a heart of trust and submission to God’s ownership over his life and success.

In a modern context, the principle of royalties can be applied to how we view tithing, giving, and our overall stewardship of what God has entrusted to us. Just as royalties are paid to an owner for their contribution, we are called to honor God by giving back a portion of what He has given us, acknowledging His ultimate ownership over all things.

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we recognize that all we have comes from You, and we owe You the first and best of everything in our lives. Teach us to honor You with our offerings, our time, and our resources, just as Abel gave his best and as Abraham and Jacob acknowledged Your sovereignty over their blessings. May we always give You what is due, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for Your provision.

In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.