The word tithe simply means a tenth. Tithing is giving the first ten percent of your income for the advancement of the kingdom of God. As a child, my parents taught me that one penny out of every dime belongs to God. I learned to keep only what belongs to me and God has always more than met my needs. The Bible says, “Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruit of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty.” Proverbs 3:9-10 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there will be meat in My house…” Malachi 3:10.
Tithing is not an option. It is not an offering. It is returning to God what belongs to Him. Recently, I was asked the question, “Should I tithe on the gross or the net of my income?” The answer is simple. Only tithe on that which you want to be blessed.
Leviticus 27:30
“All the tithes in the land, whether the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree is the Lords, and is holy unto the Lord.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Malachi 3:8 asks, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say; how have I robbed you? In tithes and offerings.” The Scripture then pronounces curses on those who keep the tithe and blessings on those who pay the tithe. Tithing is not just a ploy to get money for preachers. Tithing is not a scheme to get a tax write-off. Tithing is not a badge of spirituality so that you can be given a church title or position. Tithing is a measurable expression of your obedience to God. It is a statement of covenant and trust in God’s provision.
So tithe on your salary. Tithe on the interest of your investments. Tithe on the appreciation of your properties. Tithe on everything.
Prove God. Did you know this is the only verse in the Bible in which we are authorized to prove His Word? When you give to God what belongs to Him, He is obligated to fulfill His covenant with you.
“…Prove me now, saith the Lord of Hosts, and I will open the windows of Heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.” Malachi 3:10
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