God has really been putting it on my heart to write a blog about tithing and the importance of it. In four months of fundraising, I have come across some amazing people in my life that truly exemplify what it means to tithe. I have also seen an incredible lack of tithing and have realized that even the deepest of Christians can sometimes forget the importance of this part of our faith. So, can tithing really make a difference?
I can’t tell you how many times while the offerings are passed around I’ve thought about not tithing that week, simply because I didn’t have cash on me.
Sound familiar to anyone?
What’s the point of tithing anyway? Is it really a big deal and can my few bucks really make a difference?
It’s time to have a real discussion about tithing and to be bold about it.
Let’s start with the literal definition: “one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the church and clergy.”
The word tithe comes from the Old English word “teotha” which literally means “tenth”.
Although there are many times in the Bible that God calls us to tithe, here are just a few reasons why your tithing matters and what God reveals about it:
Tithing in the Bible
1. Returning the tithe to God helps us remember that He is the owner of everything.
We serve a Lord that is creator of the heaven and stars. Everything that touches Earth is for the glory of His good works. Our money is no exception:
Psalm 24:1, NKJV. “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”
2. God is the source of all our wealth.
The job you have, the income of that job, that bonus you got at work… it’s all because the Lord has blessed you with immense talent and ability to perform your job. Therefore your wealth comes from the Lord:
Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV. “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
3. God says we rob Him if we don’t give tithe and offerings.
It seems rather harsh, but this is what not tithing is equivalent to:
Malachi 3:8, NKJV. “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘ In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.”
4. What if I can’t afford to pay tithe?
God promises to richly bless us if we are faithful in tithes and offerings:
Malachi 3:10, NKJV. 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.
5. God owns all the money in the world.
Do you ever wonder if the money the Lord has blessed you with is to glorify Him through the works in which bring others to His kingdom?:
Haggai 2:8, NKJV. “‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
6. We should give to God’s work willingly.
One of the most important parts of tithing is where your heart is in the matter:
2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver..”
7. You can’t out-give God.
The more you pour into the works of Christ, the more He will pour back into you:
Luke 6:38, NKJV. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
8. We should give in proportion to the blessing God has given us.
If God has blessed you with an abundant income as to where you can give in bigger generosity, then give boldly:
Deuteronomy 16:17, NKJV. “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
If you want to really embrace what it means to truly tithe with a joyful and faithful heart AND you want to see the fruits of that tithing blossom, then I encourage you to pray about weekly or monthly donations to my mission trip around the world.
I will be updating video blogs and written blogs sharing the testimonies of the lives changed. You can be on the journey with me through spiritual support and financial blessings.
Take a moment right now, sitting where you’re at and pray about it:
Lord do you want me to dedicate my tithe to Erica’s mission to share the gospel around the world? If so, how much should I tithe?
The Lord will give you an answer.
So again I ask you: Can tithing really change lives?
Great reminder about tithing, Erica! It’s awesome that you’re tackling this subject at your age. Often times, it’s not tackled until the 30’s. Honestly, we are blessed as we give, has been our experience. Blessings to you as you lead this team!!