“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30 

Tithe

I have always been really committed to the idea of tithing. I have always been really committed to a whole lot of really great ideas.

When I was growing up in church, I was always taught that giving God ten percent of our earnings is one of the things God asks His people to do.

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. And thereby put Me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need” (Malachi 3:10).

But while I have read this many times, my tithing has been very scattered. I would tithe and give generously when I remembered. I forgot often. When I would think to do it, there would be no more funds left for that week. Or there were, but I still needed to purchase food or pay the electric bill.

But then one day, I was driving and listening to a sermon online. The pastor said, “If you are not tithing, you cannot call yourself a mature Christian.” Those words dug deep into my heart, and I felt instantly convicted. From that moment on, I have been tithing faithfully.

It is very simple. Every payday, I see how much money has been deposited. I remove ten percent of that and put it aside until the next time I am at church. This amount goes directly into the offering. It is only after I have put the tithe amount aside that I budget the rest. I have been consistent in this. I will not even fill my gas tank until I have set aside the tithe.

God has used the discipline of tithing to teach me a few things. One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years is that money is not my source of provision.  My Heavenly Father is my source. This is a very significant mental shift that simplifies yet deepens my faith, and draws me into a closer relationship with Him.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).

A tithe isn’t just ten percent. It’s the FIRST ten percent. Before I have seen the way it will all fit, before I have calculated my bills, before any material need, I give the top ten percent to God.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us today that You are a good, wise, and loving father to us. Money is not our source, though it can be a tool. You alone are our source. Thank You, Jesus! In Your name, Amen.