Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits 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
“Here is a stack of eight quarters. Every time my glass of tea gets empty, I’m taking one away.” The rusty curmudgeon that limped into the restaurant for lunch every Tuesday was nobody’s favorite customer to serve.
I worked in the restaurant business off and on for many years. When I was a waiter, people would leave a tip at the end of their meal. Most people will tip, but some won’t for various reasons. If the cook prepares a person’s steak medium rare instead of medium well, some customers get upset with the server and leave them a poor tip. Others leave good tips regardless of a not-so-perfect experience.
What about the money we give God? Are we merely tipping him for good service? God has served us well, leave Him a little tip. According to outside sources, only 5% of churchgoers tithe 10% of their income. Reasons for poor attitudes toward giving include greed, lack of faith, and lack of lordship.
Faithful giving transforms your relationship with God by building a closer, more intimate connection to Him. He commands us to give and it’s an act of obedience. When I obey God I’m brought closer to him.
Tithing provides for local outreach, global missions, and feeding the poor. It’s a matter of trust. God will provide my needs as well. When my life has stress, worry can take over if I don’t trust him. When I choose to walk in faith with my finances, even during scary times, I feel more confident that nothing can come between us.
Don’t skip on your tip/tithe to God. The investment is worthwhile.
Jamie Hughes is the founder and director of Isaac’s Friends (www.IsaacsFriends.org), a ministry that provides love and support for hospitalized children. A South Carolina native, he lives with his two children and enjoys painting, writing, football, and music. Jamie is also an author and public speaker, recounting the miraculous transformation Christ has made in his life. You can share many of the life lessons he has learned as a Christian at www.onthewayuptoday.blogspot.com.
Read Jamie’s devotions.
