TEXT:
‘If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness’ – Psalm 50:12
THOUGHT:
Although I have sent out teaching about giving previously, it is a subject that needs to be repeated, for many Bible verses encourage us to do it. The Apostle Paul devoted 2 whole chapters of his Second Letter to the Corinthians about this subject (See Chapters 8 & 9). That was a large Pentecostal church which should have been an example to others concerning generosity but was in danger of merely making empty promises.
We have a loving God, who not only gave His Son, but also promises to give us all things (See Romans 8:32). Therefore it remains a mystery why so many Christians, particularly in the UK and the rest of Europe, are so mean when it comes to parting with money as far as God is concerned.
It is commendable that when African and Asian believers come to the UK to study or work, they bring with them the principles of tithing they practised in their own country and also a desire to evangelise.
Our text makes clear we cannot give to God what is already His and think we are doing something great. David realised this when raising funds to build the temple. ‘O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name, but who am I and who are my people that we should be permitted to give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we only give you what is yours already!’ – 1 Chronicles 29:13-14 TLB. How would I feel if my sons had given me a birthday present and they had wrapped up one of my tools? However, if they had taken some of the pocket money I had given them and used it to buy me a present, I would have been thrilled!
God gives us what is His and can cause it to prosper and increase. So how can we respond to His generosity? With our tithes and offerings! When we are willing to do that it is a sign of our faith for the following reasons.
- It is a sign of our faith when we are willing to live on less because we believe God will ensure we have enough
We are really saying, “God we believe you are more than enough to make up any shortfall we have after we have given our tithes to you”. Giving tithes is the only verse in the Bible where God challenges us to prove Him (See Malachi 3:10). God is ready and waiting to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessing. Honouring God with our tithes will enable Him to do just that!
- It is a sign of our faith and commitment to the church we attend, that we believe in its spiritual wellbeing through godly leadership
It’s saying leaders have to be supported financially and the church’s bills and building have to be paid for. If we are not willing to provide for our own church, it’s a denial of the faith we claim to have (See 1 Timothy 5:8).
How does God feel when His church relies on raising funds from the world instead of relying on Him, all because His people are unwilling to give? While we may find it easier to tell church leaders why we cannot afford to tithe, it’s much harder telling God because He knows the truth and sees how much money we selfishly spend.
- It is a sign of our faith that we believe in evangelism to reach the lost, both locally and further afield
When we want people to “Go”, we need to help send them on their way and support them while they are on mission. We can criticise the American church for many excesses but their commitment to evangelism is outstanding, funding 90% of all missionary work in the world. Tithes are to support our church locally and offerings enable it to reach out globally. When Jesus said, “Go into all the world”, He also implied we should give to those going.
What should our response be to God, in the light of His instruction to tithe and give offerings? ‘Offer to God thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High’ – Psalm 50:15. When was the last time you rejoiced and gave God thanks as you put your tithes in the offering basket? If you have not done that for a while, then do so at the next opportunity. I am sure you will find it both liberating and uplifting!
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