Tithing

Tithing

By Joel B.

Prov 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Tithing is often a sensitive issue with families. They feel that they cannot afford to pay a portion of their salary to the Lord because they would struggle to make ends meet. I would suggest that you cannot afford not to tithe. As God promises His provision and increase to those that tithe, and as you will see it is also an act of obedience.

First off, let me make this clear. I’m not saying that if you tithe, the Lord is going to drop a new Mercedes in your driveway, but He will certainly meet and even stretch your basic needs. This may include things you may not even have been able to have foreseen, such as the addition of a new family member. So lets explore this matter of tithing even further.

Tithing is an act of obedience. In Mal 3:8 we are told that we are actually robbing God by not giving him our tithes and offerings. Even Jesus was obedient to tithing. In Gen 14:18-20 we see that Jesus Christ, known here as Melchizedek king of Salem, tithed to the most high God. If Jesus was doing this as an act of obedience, then maybe this is something we should consider doing as well.

Tithing brings an increase. Luke 6:38 tells us that as we give, it shall be given unto us. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over. That’s a pretty powerful statement and a promise.

So how much should we tithe? The Lord asks for a tenth of our increase. We see this in Lev 27:32 where the Lord asked for a tenth of the herd, flock, or whatever passed under the rod. And of course there was the widow in Luke 21:1-4 who cast in her two mites, which was ALL she had, and she gave more than all the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

So I would encourage you all to open up your heart to the matter of tithing. Choose a reputable church or charity that will use the money for God’s glory. I can guarantee that you will experience God’s provision. Besides, have you ever known someone who tithes that couldn’t put food on their table? I’ve never heard of a case such as this. Just something to think about. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you live for him. God bless.