Paul talked about God’s greatest gift in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. He mentioned many gifts such as the gift of prophecy, understanding tongues of angels and men, understanding of life’s mysteries, hope, knowledge of life, and faith. He indicated that they were all as nothing compared to God’s greatest gift, Love! Does this make you uncomfortable? Or are you a very loving person? God is love. In order to have a relationship with Him, He expects us to love Him and to love each other. Before you declare yourself a loving person however, read on.
I have been having trouble finding a church home now that I have moved. While I am looking for a church home I have been considering what to do with my tithe. I have been giving it to missionaries and various causes that I feel are worthwhile and I have been giving the balance to the churches that I do attend. The Bible teaches that we should give ten per cent of our income to God’s church and then over and beyond that any offerings we feel are appropriate. It would be easy for me to simply ignore the tithe and save that extra money for “me”, as I have not joined a church in my new home yet. My expenses are much higher now and I could certainly use the extra cash. Technically I do not have a church home yet, so perhaps I could rationalize that I could just pocket the money until I join another church.
If I were to do such a thing, who would I be cheating? I would be cheating me. The tithe is my opportunity to respect God’s commands in loving faith. I love the Lord and I am not about to forego my opportunity to obey Him when it comes to tithing. I feel it is one of the easiest commands to follow, Lord knows I fail Him in so many other ways on a daily basis. I sincerely believe that God blessed me with everything that I have and I certainly appreciate it. Further I understand that I really do not own anything. God allows me to manage what He has given me and when I die that responsibility passes on to someone else. I’m going into heaven buck naked, (nasty thought), with no Rolex watch, bank account, boat, or home on the oceanfront. All that “stuff” remains behind for the next person to manage. .My hope is that the person(s) who take over will obey God and manage His property well. When I face God, the only thing that I will bring with me will be my accomplishments in His name and my failures.
Yes I am saying that tithing is related to loving God. Do you think it sounds weird that when I talk about God’s greatest gift being love and then immediately switch to tithing? Jesus stated unequivocally that if we love Him we will obey His commands. Love is not just what we traditionally think of when talking of love such as having strong affection for someone, or being kind, unselfish, not being provoked, rejoicing in truth, not being puffed up and parading, not envying, enduring to the end, etc. It seems as though I remember that love has about thirty different definitions in the Greek language, but God stated that loving Him is tied to obeying Him. I have heard many a preacher say, “You can tell how much someone loves the Lord by looking at their pocketbook. Do they put their money where their mouth is when it comes to loving the Lord and obeying ALL of his commands including “their” money? I always hated to hear this message, but it is true. Many people attend church routinely, but rarely do much more than drop an occasional twenty in the offering plate. God doesn’t really need our money. He owns all of creation. He doesn’t want our money; rather He wants our obedience which translates to one of our strongest affirmations of love for most people. Again Jesus stated that if we love Him we will obey His commands. Think about it? What is in your wallet?
1 Cor. 13:12
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide in faith, hope, love, These three; but the greatest of these is love.