The Incredible Tithe

Tithing.  It's a very clear and tangible way we can say "I trust you God".   So awesome how He uses tithing to bring about a change in our hearts from selfishness and an "I'm in control" attitude to daily dependency on Him, contentment, and generosity.  To be sure, God doesn't need our money.  Tithing is for us.

I've known couples who were having great difficulties making ends meet until they prayed together and agreed to begin tithing.  First fruits off the top.  After that, they always had enough.  It happens again and again.  Only God can do that.

A Tithe is a Tenth 

The Hebrew word "maasar" used in the original Bible texts literally means "a tenth part" and is translated to the English word "tithe" in the Bibles we read.  The words "tithe" and "tenth" are synonymous.

I've heard the arguments about the tithe being part of the Old Testament Law and therefore doesn't apply to us anymore.  That's not quite right.  In fact, tithing is pre-mosaic law, it's in mosaic law, and even mentioned multiple times in the New Testament.  Once by Jesus Himself  (See Gen. 14:18-20, Gen. 28:22, Lev. 27:30, Matt. 23:23, Hebrews 7:4).

Robbing God

Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say , ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings . You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!  Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, ...

God's Promise

Malachi 3:10 ... and test 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 a blessing until it overflows . 11 Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the LORD of hosts. 12 “ All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land ,” says the LORD of hosts .

Wow.  Now that's a blessing I want for me and my family.  Are you tithing to your local church?  If not, I hope that you will discuss it with your spouse and pray about it.  I believe the road to true financial peace begins with the tithe.  It did for my family.