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Tithing |
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As a very old man, J.C. Penney, founder of the well-known department stores, wrote a story for Guideposts that I read many years ago and have never forgotten. Starting out as a young man to build the first store, he told God he really felt he was doing what he was supposed to do with his life, but wanted it always to be committed first to God. With that in mind, he pledged he would give the Lord not a tenth, but 90 percent of all that store made. As the world knows, there's no arguing with the outpouring of blessings he received! When I first became convinced that I was required to tithe - pay a tenth of all I made - I struggled with it. Often it took a big effort and firm determination to hold that money back until Sunday, and sometimes it wanted badly to stick to my hands when the collection plate was passed. Many times I paid it, and added an offering, not really knowing how I was going to pay the bills on Monday. To be honest, I was not always a cheerful giver! Yet, I was faithful. And I believe it is because this is the area where I have been the most faithful that it is also the area where I have most consistently seen blessings. Mal 3:10 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. (NKJ) God truly does work in mysterious ways and if you haven't seen that, you've missed a great deal of the fun of following Him. I've reached the point, at last, where I never even think about not having enough money to get through the week if I take out the tithe. You see, God has shown me over and over that He will provide for my needs. He's never let me win the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes and there's no use even asking Him if I can buy a lottery ticket, but a way to take care of the bills has always been provided. Once or twice I found forgotten money in a coat pocket. Sometimes, I got an unexpected windfall. Sometimes, someone has paid off an old debt long ago given up. Today, I went to the mailbox and found a $300 check that I should have remembered was coming, but had completely forgotten. Great timing. It happens to be the exact amount I need for a payment due tomorrow! Most of the time, however, God has simply given me more work so that I could earn more. I accept that, too, as a blessing He planned and made happen. Pastor Stan says so often, "You can't out-give God!" and he is so right. I am committed to tithing not because of the blessings, however, but because what I give is used in the work of proclaiming Jesus. God says to do anything less is the same as stealing from Him. (Mal. 3:8-9) If the hungry are going to be fed, there must be food in God's house. (Mal. 3:10) A tenth, even a tenth plus an offering, is little to give in return for all He has done, and what is the value of a life? What would YOU pay to see a soul saved? |
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