January 17, 2016

Give First To God

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

How much do you give back to God? Do you give Him the first 10 percent of your earnings? Do you give Him part of what’s left at the end of the month? Do you give Him whatever you feel like when the mood suits you? Do you ever give, even when it hurts?

Not too long ago a sweet friend shared that she and her husband had stopped tithing. Okay. I wasn’t sure why she told me that. Maybe there was a tug on her heart and she was trying to rationalize their decision.

Business was down at their store and they were struggling. Okay. I sure understand that. My mind immediately considered all they own. Not just the nice house. There are the new vehicles and the motorcycle and the boat and all the others “toys”. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for them. Except that I really don’t understand how someone can afford all those things and then cheat God out of the first fruits of their labor.

It doesn’t even have to be money. We all have certain gifts -- singing, organizing, teaching, rocking babies and on and on -- that we can give to our church family. Are you giving? Or are you one of those who show up sometimes on Sunday and take without ever giving back?

Newsflash: We are ALL busy. We are ALL tired. And we are ALL called to serve. And to give. Sacrificially.

That’s not to be confused with trying to do it all or trying to fill yourself up with good works so you won’t have to worry about spending time alone with God. Priorities, of course. But you don’t get a pass either.

If you aren’t tithing FIRST, you need to get right with God. And if you never give of yourself at church, you need to get right with God. Give first to Him and you will be blessed more than you could ever imagine.

　 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Trust God With Firstfruits

Honor the LORD with your wealth,

With the first fruits of all your crops;

Then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

And your vats will brim over with new wine.

-- Proverbs 3:9-10

We seem to trust God with just about everything. We trust Him with our health. We trust Him with our families. We trust Him to hear us when we cry out and when we rejoice. We trust God. We do. Just not with our money.

Oops! We’re suppose to. We know that. And we’re so sure that God understands. We’ve got bills you see and we’ve only got so much money. There’s just no way it will stretch far enough if we have to give 10 percent to the church.

Besides, why should we have to give money when we don’t agree with everything the church leaders use it for? They can just cut back on a few things. Or, better yet, let someone with extra money give a little more. That’ll make everybody happy.

Everybody but God, that is. See God didn’t hand us a multiple choice question. And He really didn’t provide us with an option. God is honest and direct: Give to God first and then everything will be fine.

Maybe it comes down to priorities. A dear man recently explained that he simply couldn’t tithe right now. He’s just gone through a divorce and has lost so much financially. God understands, he assured me, adding that he’ll start tithing again as soon as he can.

Not too long afterward, the man purchased a small building and had it torn apart and rebuilt on his property. He always seems to have plenty of money to go out to eat and to spoil his grandchildren. But he doesn’t have enough money for God.

A number of years ago I gave up a lucrative job and made a life-changing move to the other side of the country. I didn’t plan to stay, but here I am. I earn enough money but nowhere near what I was accustomed to earning. Still, I give God the first 10 percent from everything I earn. Sometimes I have no idea how I’ll pay for insurance and other necessities. The funny thing about it is that I’ve always had enough.

Our God is beyond amazing. He takes care of us in ways we can’t begin to imagine. And He always keeps His promises. Always. So when He tells us that if we give Him our firstfruits, He’ll make sure we have more than enough, we can trust Him to do exactly that.