Money Tip
Put the Lord first.
When it comes to giving money to the church, have you ever thought, “I will pay my bills first and then if there is anything left over then maybe I can put a couple bucks into the offering plate?” If so, you’re of the same rationale as many other good intentioned believers. I too have had those thoughts. However, it’s time for a new mindset, a new way of thinking when it comes to giving.
This principle of putting God first applies to every area of our life. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
As a young believer, I was taught the principle of tithing. Tithing is giving the first ten percent of our increase back to the Lord. Doesn’t it all belong to Him anyway? It’s all about putting Him first.
Genesis 4:3-5 illustrates a simple lesson on what God thinks about making Him first in our giving. It says, “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry and his countenance fell.” Was it that God was not in the mood for salad and veggies and preferred steak? No. I think the key here is in the statement, “in the process of time”. Cain did not bring the first fruits nor his best whereas Abel brought the firstborn and the fat.
There are plenty of scriptures in both the Old and New Testament that talk about tithing. Tithing is only one part of giving. The key is to offer it first with a glad heart so that God will respect the offering and in turn bless you with more.
I have an analogy when it comes to tithes and offerings. Paying my tithes is like turning on the power to a pump. The pump is running and ready to deliver all that is needed and more when I give my tithe. Any additional giving; for instance to people in need or for a special project is like turning the valve handle open. The more the valve is opened the greater flow potential. This is only an analogy, but in principle it works for me.
For more information, please contact Stephen Smith at (360) 604-2700