How does tithing factor in my money management plan?  I’m glad you asked.  The foundation to any of our plans including money is putting GOD first; even when it defies all logic and our very survival.  To understand this statement read Isaiah 55: 8,9.  In these verses God tells us our thoughts and ways are different from His thoughts and ways.  We have bills and responsibilities then hear “Put God First”.  Many look at their situations and determine in order for MY plans to work I have to pay the bills first.  God asks us to give 10 percent of what we receive back to him, and when we are obedient to this command we will experience blessings that OUR plans could never provide.  

A particular story in 1 Kings 17: 8-16 shows how obedience to God’s word can change our circumstances and make the plans we have insignificant.  In this story a widow receives a visit from Elijah as she is preparing for what she thought was the last meal for her and her son.  However, Elijah asked her to prepare food for him FIRST with the last of the supplies.  Because of her obedience to give even when she thought it was her last then they would die, her barrels were continually filled.  

When we give the following happens.

Now let’s discuss amount and attitude.  God evaluates our actions on the basis of our attitudes.  Absolutely critical in our giving must be an attitude of love: (1 Corinthians 13:3).  Jesus used the occasion of the widow casting two mites into the temple treasury to remind us that our attitude is more important than the amount.  He looks past the amount of the gift to the heart of the giver.  Whenever we give, we should remind ourselves that we are actually giving our gift to the Lord Himself.  In doing that, it becomes an act of worship – an expression of our gratefulness and love to God as our Creator, our Savior, and our faithful Provider.  2 Corinthians 9:7.   

As for an amount.  In the Old Testament, the Law required a tithe (ten percent). The children of Israel were condemned for not tithing properly: (Malachi 3:8-9). The New Testament teaches that we are to give in proportion to the material blessing we receive.  How much should you give? Each one should earnestly seek God’s will concerning giving.   Consider a tithe for a minimum and then give above that as the Lord prospers or directs.

Try the following strategy for 3 consecutive months if not already doing so.  (Give to God first, give to yourself second (savings), then pay your bills).  We are looking forward to adding to this blog with your testimonies as I’m sure there will be some.