7/31/2019 One of the Hardest Things for Most of Us to Do is Tithe

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One of the hardest things for most of us to do is tithe. The bible calls for tenpercent. Why does God want my money anyway?

One of the hardest things for most of us to do is give up our money. Especially tenpercent of it. Yet, this is what God asks of us, that we tithe, or give up ten percent of our

earnings, to the church. (Proverbs 3:9) Why does God want my money? Why is tithing

important?

 There are principles behind tithing that have nothing to do with the money itself. Tithing

teaches us obedience. When God asks us for something, we should be willing to give it

freely and gladly. It teaches us trust. Surrendering ten percent of our gross income is

scary, especially if we have little to begin with. We are taught discipline by tithing, too.

Doing something difficult routinely takes discipline. When we can be disciplined with our

money, we have a tremendous advantage. We also have a financial obligation to the

support of our church. Tithing keeps the doors to God's house open for all.

One of the things that God asks of us is obedience. He doesn't want us to be His slaves

or puppets, He asks for obedience because it makes our lives easier. He has the

advantage of knowing all things through all time and sees pitfalls and problems in front

of us way before we could even imagine them. When we are obedient, He can smooth

our paths. God has no particular need for our money. He owns the cattle on a thousand

hillsides. (Psalm 50:10) All things under creation are His. What He wants is our joyful

willingness to give whatever He asks of us.

He asks for our money because He knows that money is one of man's most significant

stumbling blocks. Greed and fear force us to hold tightly to our money. Many people

worship money and will do whatever it takes to get it and keep it. When we are able tofreely and joyfully give our money to God, we achieve a freedom like no other. Our

obedience in financial stewardship reveals a maturity of character that God treasures.

When we honor Him with our financial obedience, He blesses us. "And all nations shall

call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." (Malachi

3:12) (For understanding, read Malachi 3-10-18)

Obedience opens up opportunities for God to bless us. Just as a responsible parent

would not reward a disobedient child, God cannot reward us when we do not obey Him.

If you are struggling financially, it could be a result of financial disobedience. This is not

the only reason we experience financial difficulty, certainly, but it can be one reason.

God also asks for our faith and trust. When we willingly surrender a tenth of our income,especially when we believe we can't afford to, we're telling God, "I believe You will take

care of me and provide for me." God wants for us to be able to look beyond our

circumstances and rely on Him for our needs. "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow

nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much

more are ye better than the fowls?" (Luke 12:24)

7/31/2019 One of the Hardest Things for Most of Us to Do is Tithe

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