2 Chronicles 24:6
And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
Joash the king was minded to repair the temple that was in disarray because of the destructive works of Athaliah. Joash gave the task to Jehoiada the priest to collect the money to finance the repairing of the temple. When Joash came to see the progress of the work, he found that Jehoiada had not been collecting money from the people. To correct this matter, Joash commanded a chest to be built and to set it without the gate for the people to give to so that the temple could be repaired. This act resulted in the leaders and the people giving to this great work until the work was ended.
Whether or not we like it, giving is a part of serving the LORD. It is sad that most churches are financed by the tithes of a small portion of people when God’s work could be multiplied if all of God’s people tithed. We often say that we want our church to grow or our nation to return to God, but with so few people obeying God’s command to tithe, it is no wonder that so many churches just do not have the finances to multiply God’s work.
Tithing is God’s way to finance His work. The Apostle Paul talks much about giving being the means to finance the Lord’s work. The verse above shows that this work could not go forward because they did not have the money needed to finance the repairs. If everyone in your church gave tithes, there would be plenty of money for your church to build buildings, finance attendance campaigns, support missionaries, and meet the needs of those working on church staff. It is the tithes of God’s people that finances the work of God to pay the utility bills, repair buildings, and supplies the cost needed to reach the lost for Christ.
Moreover, tithing shows the investment of the heart in the Lord and their church. Matthew 6:21 says, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. You show me those who complain about the pastor talking about tithing, and I will show you a person who has not invested their heart in their church or in the Lord. I have yet to see a person tithing and giving to the Lord’s work that is not invested in serving the Lord. Before a person leaves a church, they often stop tithing to the Lord. Your tithe does show your heart’s investment in God and the church you attend.
Furthermore, not to tithe is a self-centered, entitled action. What I mean by this statement is that not to tithe, but to sit and enjoy the works that others have invested in is very selfish. It is a selfish, entitled mentality to enjoy your church and all that it does to help you grow in the Lord while others are financing the work while you refuse to give. Don't get me wrong, you need to stay faithful to church, but you will enjoy serving the Lord and all your church does much more if you invest your heart through tithing.
Finally, tithing is God’s way to pay your bills and bless you. God always promises to supply your needs, but He expects you to obey His command to tithe. I have never seen God not pay the bills of those who tithe. However, I have seen many that don't tithe pay unexpected bills. My friend, you must be faithful to tithe if you want God’s blessings on your finances and life.
Коментари