Ever since I gave my life to Christ back in 2000 I have been struggling with discussing tithing. I grew-up Catholic in a family that didn’t attend church or tithe to any religious organization. My father continues to be describe Catholic clergy as drunken robbed thieves. In lieu of all the commotion that’s taken place within the Catholic church in recent years, I’m not surprised tithing among Catholics is at an all time low. I am saddened tithing is also declining among protestants.
I used to be uncomfortable writing about tithing until God allowed me to mature spiritually and understand tithing is not only an essential part of trusting God, tithe and donations are necessary for churches and ministries to grow and perform deeds otherwise financially impossible.
But what exactly is tithing? By definition the word “tithe” means “one tenth” of something. In the dictionary, the act of tithing is described as “the assessing or paying of one’s financial contribution to a church paid voluntarily for the support of a church or its clergy.”
While tithing should be regarded as a privilege to all Christians, it is also commanded by God in the bible. Tithing references can be found over one hundred times throughout the old and new testaments.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:5-10)
In these verses, the words “trust” and “lean” clearly command Christians are to consciously rely and depend on the Lord. Much like we would lean on a tree for support, we are to called to commit to God for blessings. Just as no man or woman can bless themselves, God’s word tells us that we are to refrain from relying on our own understanding rather, we must acknowledge the Lord and get to know His ways which are found in His word the bible.
By fully immersing ourselves in God’s ways, we will realize a closer relationship with God allows for a straighter, more fulfilling path walking in Jesus’ footsteps avoiding temptation or a deceiving self-serving sense of achievement.
Trusting and knowing God produces rewards both in this life and the next. God’s promise in the verses above include health and wealth. By joyfully giving back to the Lord the first tenth of our crops, we are promised blessings beyond our own understanding.
Beware! Tithe is not a formula to get rich! It is a process by which the righteous can reasonably expect to be blessed according to their faith in God. Tithing is not an investment plan, it is voluntary financial support given to a church to honor God.
This ministry is very much like any church organization that relies on tithing and donations to survive. The production of each week’s message, countless counseling sessions, inspirational phone conversations and the time spent soothing troubled souls over email or instant messaging takes time and know how.
“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor by contributing to his support .” (Galatians 6:6)
The bible commands all those who gain spiritual knowledge or wisdom through this ministry to give back generously. If you are not doing so, you are not only disobeying God but you are stealing from Him.
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ ‘In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:9-10)
If you are Christian but are not giving the first tenth of your income back to this ministry or your home church then you are a thief in the Lord’s eyes and in deed stealing from the Lord. Aside from faith based works and deeds performed to honor God, Christians are commanded to give joyfully to the Lord through their home church or by utilizing another viable medium such as this internet based ministry. We invite you to follow this link to start joyfully giving back to God today…
Those of you already involved in purpose driven tithing already know of God’s blessings to faithful servants. Praise God for your generosity to God’s church! May our Lord continue to bless you with wealth beyond your wildest dreams both on earth and in heaven. If you know of someone reluctant to obey God’s commands about tithing please copy and paste the text herein in an email and pray this message will inspire them to joyfully start giving back to God and reap the rewards that come with faith driven tithing.
Father God;
We praise you for your Grace
And for your blessings in our lives,
For your guidance and your patience
And for your ever present love.
Lord we pray that you will continue to look after us
And provide for us all we need in this life,
We pray that you will spread your light onto our friends,
Our families and all those who seek you.
God we ask that you continue to shine your light bright
Upon us as we continue to trust in you and lean on you,
And we pray you will bless us with both health and wealth
According to our faith, our tithe and our commitment to you.
Thank you Lord father for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
