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Note from the Pastor
Ten Percent to God, Any Questions?
The concept of tithing, or giving ten percent to
God, wasn't suggested by God; it was commanded by
God. Doing anything less than what God commands is
to act in disobedience to God. When you disobey God
in any manner, it is sin. Sin has consequences. Do
you see the connection?
In many churches, a small minority of the
congregation provides a large majority of the
financial resources of the church. Some Christians
give above the tithe; others give little or nothing.
If every church member acted in obedience to God's
command regarding tithing, no church would be in
financial difficulty.
Think about it. The average family income in the
United States is around $40,000. Let's say there are
one hundred families in your church. If every family
gave ten percent, the church budget would be
$400,000 per year! Could a church of 100 families do
ministry on $400,000 per year? You better believe
it!
So, what are the consequences of not tithing? Take a
look at God's words through Malachi.
10 Bring the
whole tenth to the storehouse, and there will be
food in my house. Test me in this way," says the
Lord of Hosts. "And see if I will not open the
windows of heaven for you. I will pour out blessings
for you until there is no more room for them.11
I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will
not ruin the produce of your ground, and your vine
in the field will not be barren," says the Lord of
Hosts. " 12
Then all the
nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be
a delightful land," says the Lord of Hosts (Mal.
3:10-12)
At no point in his instructions did God suggest that
giving ten percent to His treasure house would be
nice; He commanded that the tithe be brought to the
treasure house. The treasure house was the treasury
of God's temple. In other words, bring your tithe
when you come to church. In our culture we have
drifted so far that attending church is optional for
most, and giving is optional for those who choose to
attend. So what happens if you don't give?
Review Malachi 3:10-12 and list what happens if you
bring your tithe.
It's easily assumed that not bringing the tithe
short-circuits God's plan for blessing you as
described in the passage above. So, do you give in
order to avoid negative consequences? Not at all!
God's character is consistent. As in every other
situation, disobedience to God's commands has
consequences. You can't pick and choose which
commands you want to obey.
The tithe belongs to God through the church. Should
you desire to support other ministries, it should be
done after the tithe is given through the church. In
other words, giving ten percent of your income and
dividing it among several charities is an act of
disobedience. It's that simple.
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