Recently, the Lord asked me as church treasurer to share something with my church family, and I said no. As always, he usually wins these discussions.
It has to do with tithing. First, to those who tithe: Well done, my good and faithful servant. Keep up the good work and you will truly be blessed.
Second, to those who do not tithe: Shame on you! Do you believe I would lie to you? Is your faith so small that you think I cannot do what I promise? Do you remember when I said you can’t out-give me? I have created all there is. I can surely out-give you. Test me and see. The truth is I don’t need your money. What I want is your faith and trust. Are there any who would turn away from blessings beyond all imagining? If not, try me.
A tithe is either given or held based on two things: needs and wants. We buy only because we want, not because we need. Therefore, God’s money and his works are shortchanged. Wants can be big or small: a new car, new home, television, cell phone, a trip to McDonald’s.
The list could go on. The point is that we have the money to give; it is just that our wants seem to be more important. It’s not that God doesn’t allow our wants – he does. It’s when our wants affect our obedience in tithing that he becomes concerned.
God is not asking you to cut back on your needs. He is asking you to cut back on your wants. How will you respond?
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