Tithing

 

I’m Duane Matz and welcome to Today’s Living Word.

My wife and I tithe. We have been tithing since the 1980’s and have enjoyed God’s promised blessings associated with tithing found in the Book of Malachi! Mal 3:8-12,  "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation. 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. 11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts; 12 "And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land," Says the LORD of hosts.

 

It was belief in those promises and an obedient response to his Word that prompted us to start tithing. If you are not tithing, I encourage you to start, but if you’ve been tithing for a while, as we have been, I also want to encourage you to consider some words from Tom Hovestal in his book, “Spiritual Profiling” In the book, he warns that “contentment with tithing undermines open handed generosity.” That got my attention. I don’t want to fall into the trap of, “I’ve tithed; therefore, I’ve done enough.” Especially since the Bible has much to say about generosity.

Here’s a brief sampling: Pr 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

 Heb 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

 2Co 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

Tithe yes! But beware of mechanical giving and look to be generous, with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.