Scripture:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Thought for the day:

Ok, here is the hard question: “Do you tithe?” Now, the question many may ask is: “Why is it any of your business who does or does not tithe? That is a personal issue between God and the giver?”

Think of it this way: Adultery is unacceptable behavior within a Christian marriage, correct? If a significant number of our congregation was prone to adultery, that would be a moral issue I, as pastor, would be expected to address in a tangible way in order to help folks become the people God created them to be.

If we are to become the people God intends us to addressing the connection God has established between faith and finances is a must. Tithing represents the most equitable way for all members of the Body of Christ to practice stewardship responsibility. Unlike the rest of the world, with such a chasm between rich and poor, scripture promotes

“Unequal giving, equal sacrifice.”

Tithing is the one giving plan which effectively places God’s cause first among all of our priorities in life. This means tithing is more than a standard mathematical equation for deciding “how much” to give God. It is a spiritual system for putting God first. It is not just the acceptance of a defined percentage; it is much more the acceptance of a divine priority.

So maybe the more appropriate question is: “Where are our priorities?”

It might be something to think about...

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, all I have is Yours. Instill within me the confidence in You to share an entire tithe for the building of Your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.