Tithe From Your Heart
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” -- Genesis 4:6-7
Why do you tithe? Really. Of course, I’m assuming that you tithe. We’re supposed to. The Bible is pretty clear about giving back to God a portion of what He has given to us.
My question, though, is more about motivation. Do you tithe because the Bible tells us to give back to God? Do you tithe because the church needs electricity and the pastor needs to eat? Or do you tithe because it’s expected?
Sometimes we get lost in all the reasons and forget the basics: We tithe because God has blessed us and, in return, we give back to Him a portion of what He has given to us. It is a moment of honoring God for all He does for us. It is acknowledging that without Him we have nothing. We are nothing. It is showing respect and honor to our Creator.
The contemporary services at our church started a new practice today for collecting tithes. Instead of having ushers pass baskets, offering containers are placed at the front and back of the fellowship hall where we meet. After the sermon, the band begins to play and we have the opportunity to place our tithes in the containers and, if we desire, stop and pray at the kneeling benches up front.
The difference is subtle but real and poignant. It is a reminder that our offerings are for God. How He uses that money is for Him to decide. But our hearts are honoring Him.
At least, they should be. God doesn’t want us grudgingly giving anything back to Him. He wants our love and respect. He wants hearts filled with gratitude for the many blessings He brings to us.
Why was Abel’s offering to God acceptable and Cain’s was not? Perhaps it has to do with the heart. God can see past the outward signs of obedience and look into our hearts to see our true motivation.
Does that mean we’re forever condemned if what we offer God isn’t done with love and a glad heart? No. We have the opportunity to change our attitudes and be restored to God. Jesus saw to that.
But God also didn’t condemn Cain forever, even after Cain murdered his brother Abel. God punished Cain but He also made sure that no one would harm him. Cain went on to have children who would do wonderful things. (see Genesis 4:20-22)
Our tithes shouldn’t be a burden. They shouldn’t feel like an obligation. We are merely giving back to God a portion of what He has graciously given to us. Show your gratitude. And watch your blessings grow.
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