Corona Devo 1884
As our oldest prepares to leave the nest and summer jobs and college are on his horizon...it's time to talk about money.
Certainly, we hope that he has learned the financial principles of working, earning, and saving by observing our family practices over the years, but in addition to the financial requirements for success, there is one more step in the financial freedom process which is essential to be taught, learned, and put into practice: tithing.
When we talk about money we must also (always) include the topic of tithing.
Why?
Because God and the Bible do.
The word "tithe" comes from the Old English word "teogoþa" ("tenth”). And tithe is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment”.
From the earliest Biblical earnings with the brothers of Cain and Abel, the Lord inferred that tithes were not only pleasing to Him, but that what we give and how both matter to the Lord. Tithes to God must be given with the correct (generous) spirit. He does not want a tithe out of compulsion or ritual. But (instead), God is blessed when we give willingly and generously to Him as the Ultimate Provider.
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. (4) And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, (5) but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
(6) Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (7) 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 rule over it.” ~Genesis 4:3-7
It may be hard for us to understand why one brother's offering was preferred over the other's. But we (now) know that a blood sacrifice/gift (tithe) was required from people (prior to Jesus' death). Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
How he knew to do that, I am not sure, but we should be sure to learn from what God prefers. God preferred the more substantial (meaningful) tithe, and the Lord's response to Cain provides insight to this day for us as we give to God.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? (7) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? ~Genesis 4:6-7
If we are not tithing, or not doing what is fully-correct in God's eyes as tithing, then we are not doing what is right.
If we are wondering if "God really notices or knows" our tithe or the attitude with which we give it..He absolutely does. He knows when we are not doing what is right, and He does not accept it. When we short-change God, we are falling to sin.
But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” ~Genesis 4:7
We can rule over it though. And that starts with understanding a tithe and its importance, which is why we are talking about money (and tithes) in our house lately.
We have to learn how to tithe, and Abraham is the Bible's posterchild for this important practice. No one had really modeled tithing for Abraham, but (still), in an act/outpouring of gratitude and honor for God, Abraham gave ten percent of his recent (great) military spoils to the (great) head priest, Melchizedek, and as a result, Melchizedek blessed him.
We can't say how or when or where, but honoring God will bring His blessing over our lives.
This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. (2) Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek...
(6) ...And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. ~Hebrews 7:1-2, 6
What we do with our money matters to God. The Bible speaks of money more often than any other subject, and we would be remiss to miss God's principles about money...and tithing. Cain and Abel both tithed, but only one gave with the spirit and generosity that the Lord required. Yes, when teaching a child, a young adult, or ourselves about money: just as essential as earning and saving...is tithing and our attitude in doing so.
If we are learning (or teaching) money matters, then we had better be educated on God's money math. Give to Him first (a tenth), and He will be sure to ensure our well-being as a result.
Don't believe me?
Test Him. (And those are God's Words, not mine.) Test Him in the area of tithing, and see what happens.
(For example), Did we see what happened to Abraham? God had already spoken a promise over him, but after his tithe, Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham (Hebrews 7:6).
Is it time to talk about money? Go ahead--test God about tithing in our lives, and see what happens.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. ~Malachi 3:10
Lord, we pray that in an act/outpouring of gratitude and honor to You, we will faithfully bring the whole tithe into Your storehouse, and that we will pass on the importance of that money principle to others. Amen.
Blessings,
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