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
There was an article in “Money” magazine that offered suggestions in reference to tipping those who render specific services to and for us. The listing included people from various walks of life. As I read through the list, I had observed that every person, whose vocation was mentioned, was receiving at the very LEAST ten percent!
It appears that we have no problem expressing our gratitude to people when they supply us with a few “comforts of life”. As a matter of fact; 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 God what rightfully belongs 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 curse of the law. The New Testament expresses “free will giving”. Yet, since the ten percent was already established in the O.T…. we are to now use that as a MINIMUM for our giving – not a maximum. Therefore…. you haven’t really accomplished some great feat when you deposit your little ten percent into the tithe box!
Just think about it. The waitress at a local “greasy spoon” is receiving at the very least fifteen percent! Therefore, how can we be content to offer to GOD ten percent of our increase and feel as though we’ve accomplished some great feat? Have we forgotten that He is our FATHER; the creator of the entire UNIVERSE; supreme in EVERY aspect; and the one who has enabled us to obtain our money????
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 at work, plan for a vacation, make various purchases in advance– yet never consider putting aside a special offering for the Lord!
Why are some people so apprehensive concerning their giving to the Lord? 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 identified and broken if one is to live as 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 myself or others higher than I do the Lord when it comes to giving; especially the giving of money. I will never give unto the Lord any less than what I am giving to those who are serving me in the natural. I will never offer to God a TIP….but a true TITHE …. Which will prove to the enemy that God is Lord – even over my assets!
Therefore, when I say that I’ve surrendered all to the Lord…. and that He is first in my life….He truly is…. And I have really surrendered ALL!!
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