Test Me in This

'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 NIVUK

It may not surprise you that as a finance person, this is one of my go-to verses when it comes to tithing and giving.  I often thank God as I’m bringing a tithe that He will open the floodgates of heaven and remove the curse that we are under when we don’t tithe (Malachi 3:9) and prepare to receive that blessing!

However, this blog isn’t about me telling you to tithe (though you should!)

Tithing isn’t just about money, as Jesus showed when He highlighted the example of the widow’s offering at the temple in comparison to the rich people’s offering.  It’s about our heart attitude: how we show our love and obedience to our heavenly Father.  In giving our 10% before we do anything else with our money, we are putting God in charge and relying on Him not the world, our jobs, or our salaries.  We honour Him by trusting Him and not trying to control our finances ourselves, not following what the world does – saying ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions. 

I encourage you to give God your best though because tithing isn’t about showing others how much you love God, but about showing God how much you love Him.  I’d even go as far as to say don’t give if your heart’s not full of love for Him, don’t give if it’s just a habit, don’t give begrudgingly.

Give because you love Him, because you want to please Him, because you want a deeper relationship with Him.  As Paul says in his letter to Titus, no one can claim to know God, but by their actions deny Him. 

Are you denying God by not giving Him everything He asks of you?  Maybe you want a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him, but ask yourself, is your heart attitude right?  Are you fully trusting Him with every area of your life, including your finances?  Once you do - get ready - those floodgates are going to open, you’ll be drowning in blessings!  God even says to test Him!

Paul encourages Titus to set an example by doing what is good.  Are you setting that example?  Do you talk about tithing to your children?  Why not start that discussion this week?

Remember to have the right heart attitude, not just out of obedience, but out of love.