For the last 12 years, I can honestly say that I have faithfully tithed (given 10% of my income to the Christian church). The church I joined as a young adult strongly taught the principle. Thank God, it was something that I never had struggles.
When I began, the amount was significantly less than what is given now. There was truly no pressure, worries, or concerns about the money gone. Of course, I thoroughly understood why God encouraged me to give, but I wasn’t thinking about why- just giving it. At the end of the year, I was (am) always amazed by the overall amount of donations claimed.
Years later, when I met my wife, I encouraged her to practice the principle of faithfully tithing. Lucky for me, she was already a giver. Out of all the mistakes that we made during dating, inconsistent-to-not tithing was not one of them. We committed to honoring God in giving. For us, it was one of the easiest forms of worship.
As we grew in our giving, we began to see God’s protection, promotion, and provision. Our faith grew in Him. Our testimony to all was give and it will be given to you! (Luke 6:38). More than financial blessings took place, but relational, emotional, and physical blessings happened. There was no doubt that God’s principle instructed in Malachi 3:8-12 was real. My wife and I were employed with decent salaries to easily support our family’s conservative lifestyle and financial responsibilities.
There was never a recognizable test of my faith in God’s ability to fulfill his promise regarding tithing, until about a year and half ago. I was offered an opportunity to relocate with my employer. Months before this opportunity, my wife had just given birth to our second son. She had always wanted to stay home with our children, but had worked full-time since being a mom. I had promised her while dating, that she would be able to stay home to be a full-time mom. The move would allow it. This was a blessing.
After securing the family in our
One thing, I have learned, while being a Christian, is God is faithful. If you are obedient to his commandments, blessings follow. You may not receive what you had in mind, but you will receive.
After realizing that I was focusing more on fear-based circumstances than God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises, I was given peace. The gift that I most needed at the time. An increase in salary would have been a temporary fix. My underlining issue was unbelief, which caused inner turmoil and mental discomfort. Money can not repair insecurities. Peace from God can. God provided my sense of relief in His word. A conditional promise was given. Faithfulness had been displayed on my and His end. Why worry?
There have been times in my life, that I have been called ‘lucky’. I prefer to be called ‘blessed.’ One of major distinctions between blessed and lucky is obedience. Do not be surprised if you are not receiving, if you are not giving. It’s a biblical principle that is in use by many, who do not claim Christianity. Many principles that God has outlined for His people, when practiced by ungodly people, produces great results. If He said do this and this will happen- you can plan on it. His character is supreme (Numbers 23:19). If a seed is planted, a harvest is due; whether you have accepted Christ or not. Therefore, do not be upset (if you are) when ungodly people thrive financially, mentally, and intellectually. They may be extravagant givers to a Godly principle. True wealth is your soul prospering (3 John 1:2). Without Christ, it’s impossible.
God’s ultimate gift was Christ. If you are obedient to the principle of wholly receiving Him and giving Him (Matthew 28:19-20), you will more than thrive financially, physically, and intellectually, but spiritually. Be obedient to God’s principle of Salvation for your soul. Afterwards, offer Him to the world, then allow protection, promotion, and provision to overtake you.
If you desire to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx
