The Tithe & The Tip
“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me [How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?]?” Psalm 116:12 AMP
I recently read an article in “Money” magazine that offered suggestions in reference to tipping those who render specific services to and for us. The listing included everyone from various walks of life. As I read through the list, I observed that every person, whose vocation was mentioned, was receiving at the very LEAST ten present!
It appears that we have no problem expressing our gratitude to people when they supply us with a few “comforts of life”. We will even often be very generous to them when we feel as though their services rendered to us were outstanding.
Therefore, if we are willing to demonstrate to mere people our appreciativeness; why is it that so many devoted; scripture quoting; Bible toting; Saints of the Most High God; have a problem giving back to Him?
Far too many have become “bamboozled” or “hoodwinked” when considering their giving unto the Lord. In all actuality, we, as endtime Saints are no longer bound by the law. We are supposed to use the principles which were established under the law (in the Pentateuch) to build our foundational truths. However we have been redeemed from the law. The New Testament expresses free will giving. Yet, since the ten percent idea was already established in the O.T…. we are to now use that as a minimum for our giving – not a maximum. We haven’t really accomplished some great feat when we deposit our little ten percent into the tithe box! The waitress at a local “greasy spoon” is receiving more than that! Therefore, how can we be content to offer to GOD; who is our FATHER; who is the creator of the entire UNIVERSE; who is supreme in every aspect; and enables us to go out and to obtain our money….. a ten percent offering and be content???? It never ceases to amaze me how people will claim that they can’t afford to tithe! Yet these same people will participate in various saving programs and plan for a vacation – yet never consider putting aside a special offering for the Lord.
Why our some so apprehensive concerning their giving? One of the reasons is that they have not been liberated from the spirit of poverty. That spirit and its big brother: the spirit of fear, are a “dynamic duo”. Their power must be broken if one is to become a New Testament; free will giver.
So, what shall I render unto the Lord? I will render myself as a living testimony of His miraculous redemptive, saving, and sustaining power. However, I will also never esteem others higher than I do the Lord when it comes to giving; especially the giving of money. Therefore, when I say that I’ve surrendered all – to the Lord – I have really surrendered ALL!!
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