Misty and I just got paid. Before I could start to think of all the things I needed to do with that money, I wrote out a tithe check. You see the problem is, if I get to thinking of all the things that need to be paid for and purchased I will lose track of the most important thing, Giving God The First Part.
I believe that the Bible teaches from beginning to end that God wants the first part of all of our increase. It is not that He needs our money, the fact is, our heart follows our money or money follows our heart. The bible says that we are to bring that tithe or 10% into the storehouse of God. In our time the storehouse is the church and I believe that is the church where you believe in the mission so much that you trust when you give that tithe it is going to worthy causes. Matter of fact, you should be sure that the money is spent in a way that you agree that it is distributed correctly.
One of the big issues people have to get around is paying staff and pastoral salaries. The fact is, we need staff and pastors. Every dime that is spent and given by and through the church needs people to manage those ministries and those expenditures. Anyway, you need to be able to trust and believe in the church where you call home and the place where you contribute to the storehouse.
Matthew 23:23 NLT
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
There is no doubt that Jesus believed in the tithe and that tithe is again 10% of our increase.
In the Old Testament of Malachi, God says try me or test me in this matter. bring in the tithe and see if I won’t open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings.
Here is what I am getting at. As Christians we march to a different drummer. Do we as His people believe His word when He says tithe? If we don’t believe it then do we really believe that our sins are forgiven? Statistics show that a very small percentage of Christians actually tithe and that is really sad. There is so much blessing waiting to be given and at the same time, think of all the good that could be done, the lives that could literally be saved, if all church attenders were tithers.
Another matter to consider. Jesus said, when you give, don’t announce it with trumpets and many many Christians try to say that because of this scripture we should not allow anyone to know what we give and that is just simply a bad interpretation of scripture. Now, those who don’t tithe are saying, you have no business knowing what I give, it is between me and God. Those who do tithe are saying, I don’t care if anyone knows what I give, it is 10% of what I make and that is what God asks for. Jesus simply meant that we are not to flaunt that we give a certain amount, the ground of tithing is level for everyone. 10% no matter what your income level.
Many people ask me what should I do if I have so many bills and I am just getting by. I would say this, start somewhere. Yes some legalistic Christians are out there saying, no it is 10% just have faith.
Just ignore those people and have a talk with God and tell Him what you are going to do and then do it. Start with 1%, 2% or 5% and see how God changes your life. Put Him to the test, He said to.
Ronnie
Here is a video for you, just for fun.