The Apostle Paul - “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.” (1 Timothy 6:18)
In order to live the “good life” we must be willing to utilize the resources God has given us to help and bless others. We are “doing good” with money when we are tithing to the Lord through our church. A tithe is the first 10% of our income and is to be given through our church so the church can: 1) provide for the needs of hurting people; 2) bring the news of Jesus’ salvation to people; 3) disciple children, teens and adults; and 4) support missions and ministry locally and around the world.
Tithing demonstrates many things in our lives. First, tithing demonstrates gratitude in our lives. When we tithe, we are saying, “God, I remember that everything I have comes from You, and if it wasn’t for You, I wouldn’t have anything in my life. So, as a result of my gratitude to You for who You are to me and what You’ve done in my life, I’m giving You this tithe of my income.” Second, tithing demonstrates prioritization in our lives. Moses declared that “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” (Deuteronomy 14:23, LB) It’s easy when you look at someone’s bank or credit card statement and calendar to see what they prioritize in life. Third, tithing demonstrates faith in a person’s life. It’s difficult for many people to tithe, at least initially. It takes faith to tithe. When we tithe, we are saying, “God, I believe all the promises in the Bible that say if I put You first You will bless me and take care of my needs.” We read in Hebrews that “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Fourth, tithing demonstrates obedience in our lives. We tithe faithfully to the Lord because He tells us to do so. Life is far better for us and others when we obey the Lord. Finally, tithing demonstrates compassion in our lives. We learn in Malachi 3 that when we provide food for the Lord’s house that it is then distributed to the hurting and needy around us and around the world.
The Lord has promised to bless us emotionally, relationally, spiritually and financially when we are faithful in tithing to Him and His work. In the book of Malachi, the Lord says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My temple. If you do… I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let Me prove it to you!” (Malachi 3:8-10)
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY
Take a few minutes to open your checkbook register or your credit card statement. Do the deposits and debits indicate that you tithe to the Lord? Do they even indicate that you give to the Lord? If so, then spend time in prayer thanking God for His provision in your life. If not, are you ready to test the Lord and begin tithing? Pray and ask God to build your faith so you might be able to take this step. If you’re leading your family through this devotion time, have a discussion about tithing and the faithfulness of the Lord with the whole family. Then, pray as a family, asking the Lord to help your family be faithful in this area of stewardship.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Help me to always remember that as I give back to You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.