Am I a Thief?

[cavell]

I want to ask myself a very personal question. Am I stealing from the Almighty? Ordinarily the very term would be abhorrent to me, for any suggestion of pilfering or acquiring property belonging to another would fill me with disgust.

I seek to live among society as one having respect for the social laws that make me a good citizen I try to be meticulous in my Tax return, to be punctual paying bills, to have a system by which I can regulate the financial affairs of my life. But how accurate and persistent am I in squaring my affairs with God?

There is a debt of course which I cannot pay, and for which I depend upon His mercy and the value of Calvary's offering to settle the claim. The need for my consecration will never be exhausted, and I can only keep giving and giving again.

There is one aspect of my life , however, in which I can determine whether I am an offender against the requirements of God. An area which determines whether I am robbing the LOrd of Host's God himself, through the prophet very pertinently and clearly issues the challenge "Will a man rob God?"

The indignant reply of those who seek to be called by His Name is again in the form of a question "Wherein have we robbed thee?" In one simple, searching, scathing sentence comes the terse reply: "In tithes and offerings" Malachi 3 v 8 So I am on a spot. Not confronted by a Pastor, or Presbytery, but by the LOrd of Hosts. I ask my self the question "Am I guilty?" And if so why?

It cannot be because there is insufficient scriptural evidence that I ought to tithe. Nor that the principle of tithing was restricted to those under the Law, for I know that Abraham and Jacob gave their tithes long before it came into being. Gen 14 v 20 and ch 28 v 22

I cannot claim that it was just for Old Testament days, for I have clear references in Luke 11 v 42 and Hebrews 7 v 8 apart from the supporting scripture of 1Cor 16 v 1-2 and 2 Corinthians 8 v 1 -15 and ch 9 v 1 - 15 It cannot be because I cannot afford it, for were I not a child of God the devil would demand so much more of my money and my time.

Over and above this is the challenging ring from the chancellor of heaven "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house and prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Host's if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground: neither shall your vine cast fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of Host's"
Malachi 3 v 10 -11

Perhaps I am honest enough to concede that I should be tithing, and in principle I probably am. Maybe my greatest offense is that I am careless. I am not as painstaking in making sure that I have given my tithe as I am in other financial matters. I check my salary, scrutinize my overtime, make sure I claim any Tax rebate due to me. But how careful am I in discharging my obligations to God?

Do I not systematically, and sacredly, take my tithe and lovingly put it to one side? Do I not feel the tender touch of God upon me as I keep this covenant with him? When I am absent by reason of sickness or work or holiday, do I keep a careful check and ensure that I have not missed my gift to God? What do I do with my tithes? Do I scatter them about complacently, or follow the divine injunction to bring them into the storehouse, which is the Church to which I belong,

Finally what harm is done if I do not tithe? In the first instance I grieve the one who has given His all for me. Secondly I restrict the blessing of God within the Church. Thirdly, I hinder the propagation of the gospel, which affects others. Fourthly I hurt myself and my home and family by missing the blessing God has promised.

Am I a thief?. Careless? Indifferent?

By God's grace from this day I will discharge my obligations, with the recognition that tithing is only the minimum of my giving to the Lord, and that the scripture speaks of offerings for which there is no maximum.

[tpony298]

hmmmmmmm? What an eye opener> I'v always had a lot of questions about thithes. I've alwaays given to the church that I am attending, but I keep a bank account called the Pot of Gold. I help people out of that account and ask only that they will listen to God's word for a couple of moments. Joyce

[mont974x4]

I don't see that you are any of the three. From your post it is clear that you care deeply about giving and honoring God with the blessings He has given you.

I would remind you that we are not commanded to tithe. We are encouraged to give cheerfully and willingly as we are able, not out of obligation. I am not a Jew, nor am I bound to those portions of the OT Law.

My bride and I enjoy giving, both to the fellowship we attend but also as God leads people in need to us.


I will admit a personal struggle I used to have in this area...God provides for my needs, should I give out of that prvision and turn around and ask Him to resupply those for those needs? I'm not talking about giving out of our excess, but times when God has provided nearly the exact amount I need to meet my obligations. Should I forgo paying bills or buying groceries in order to write a check to the church? Of course, He has always met our needs and there is a blessing that comes from giving, and especially giving when I see the math doesn't work. LOL


Just some random thoughts
God bless
Jay

[cavell]

Bro Jay.

Wow I do appreciate your response to the O.P. and my heart hears what you have to say. I could debate with you....but I do not post for any other reason that to bless, guide, encourage in Jesus. I pray now that you will know prosperity and blessing as you follow the Master.

I will admit a personal struggle I used to have in this area...God provides for my needs, should I give out of that prvision and turn around and ask Him to resupply those for those needs? I'm not talking about giving out of our excess, but times when God has provided nearly the exact amount I need to meet my obligations.

Should I forgo paying bills or buying groceries in order to write a check to the church?

Of course, He has always met our needs and there is a blessing that comes from giving, and especially giving when I see the math doesn't work. LOL

Should I forgo paying bills or buying groceries in order to write a check to the church?

No No No We give out of 'having enough'. Some preachers would say 'abundance' But I have not been there though I do not doubt God's goodness and provision.

Of course, He has always met our needs and there is a blessing that comes from giving, and especially giving when I see the math doesn't work.

Hallelujah.......God bless you Jay, and your family

[mont974x4]

I think most of those preachers, and the people who listen to them, get wrapped up in mans idea of prosperity and blessing.

Personally, my bank account doesn't show it, but we know we are very blessed.

[cavell]

I think most of those preachers, and the people who listen to them, get wrapped up in mans idea of prosperity and blessing.

Personally, my bank account doesn't show it, but we know we are very blessed.
Hi Brother

Here in the U.K. I watch Christian Television quite often. About 12 channels almost exclusively from the U.S of A. I find it nauseating at times with emphasis on giving money.

But I do sympathize, recalling my own father, a Methodist Preacher, and the restriction he found through lack of finance as he sought to reach out in 'tent meetings' with the gospel.

Tithing is a touchy subject. We are aware that 'money' represents our whole lifestyle! Expression of life etc. To challenge, ask for a tithe, is to 'tread on holy ground' indeed.

In Gen ch 14 v 18 - 20 Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, a type of Jesus.

Later in scripture it says of Jesus " Having neither beginning of days nor end of life, without father or mother, Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"

In this representation of God my view is that Abraham tithed to Jesus those years back. We cannot out give God.

I reach out to Methodist Preacher's to day that God meet their every need.

He meets that need through 'us' In Yorkshire where I live "Thee and me"

In His Love

[cavell]

I am a 'tithe'r I give a tenth of my income to the place where I am fed, cared for, and have fellowship in God. It is not my concern what happens to my money, I give it to the Lord and His work. If it is misplaced.....that is not my concern....I gave it to the LOrd.

My fellowship supports people 'native' to their country around the world, working to win the people to Jesus. 3 workers in Columbia, the Columbian Pastor's wife is due to visit my church next month.

We support a lady worker in Sierra Leone, who e-mailed this week with information

We support a children's school in Zambia, recently built, where 300 children now have one meal a day, instead of one meal each week.....

I could go on

This year we have built a womans dormitory at a bible school in Kenya. Well almost, it will be completed in the next month. This bible school has been standing for 40 years. Teaching and sending Christian local people into Kenya with the Christian message.

Two of our ladies visited Kenya 3 months ago, to find out if the church could help in the 'aids' epidemic. They discovered that the charities of the world are helping there. They then visited a Kenya Bible School which after 40 years was jaded and run down.

The church decided to build a womans dormitory costing £20,000, and accommodating 20 ladies. It is now almost completed. Single story at the moment

You may be thinking that we are a large fellowship No, just 100 folks

Each Lord's day morning I have my tithe in my pocket, not personell cheque, cash. It is my joy to give to God.

This is my way. I appreciate others have their way.

God Bless you All....I am sure He will, whatever your view in this matter.

[mont974x4]

Hi Brother

Here in the U.K. I watch Christian Television quite often. About 12 channels almost exclusively from the U.S of A. I find it nauseating at times with emphasis on giving money.

But I do sympathize, recalling my own father, a Methodist Preacher, and the restriction he found through lack of finance as he sought to reach out in 'tent meetings' with the gospel.

Tithing is a touchy subject. We are aware that 'money' represents our whole lifestyle! Expression of life etc. To challenge, ask for a tithe, is to 'tread on holy ground' indeed.

In Gen ch 14 v 18 - 20 Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, a type of Jesus.

Later in scripture it says of Jesus " Having neither beginning of days nor end of life, without father or mother, Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"

In this representation of God my view is that Abraham tithed to Jesus those years back. We cannot out give God.

I reach out to Methodist Preacher's to day that God meet their every need.

He meets that need through 'us' In Yorkshire where I live "Thee and me"

In His Love

I'm with you, those so called pastors are doing little more than fleecing the flock. They preach long on giving and short on actual Scripture.

We certainly see an example with Abraham, but context of that passage does not support a command to tithe. In fact, there is very little in the way of commands regarding tithe when looking at dealing with finances as a whole, and certainly when looking at the NT Church.

[mont974x4]

I am a 'tithe'r I give a tenth of my income to the place where I am fed, cared for, and have fellowship in God. It is not my concern what happens to my money, I give it to the Lord and His work. If it is misplaced.....that is not my concern....I gave it to the LOrd.

My fellowship supports people 'native' to their country around the world, working to win the people to Jesus. 3 workers in Columbia, the Columbian Pastor's wife is due to visit my church next month.

We support a lady worker in Sierra Leone, who e-mailed this week with information

We support a children's school in Zambia, recently built, where 300 children now have one meal a day, instead of one meal each week.....

I could go on

This year we have built a womans dormitory at a bible school in Kenya. Well almost, it will be completed in the next month. This bible school has been standing for 40 years. Teaching and sending Christian local people into Kenya with the Christian message.

Two of our ladies visited Kenya 3 months ago, to find out if the church could help in the 'aids' epidemic. They discovered that the charities of the world are helping there. They then visited a Kenya Bible School which after 40 years was jaded and run down.

The church decided to build a womans dormitory costing £20,000, and accommodating 20 ladies. It is now almost completed. Single story at the moment

You may be thinking that we are a large fellowship No, just 100 folks

Each Lord's day morning I have my tithe in my pocket, not personell cheque, cash. It is my joy to give to God.

This is my way. I appreciate others have their way.

God Bless you All....I am sure He will, whatever your view in this matter.


I certainly support you following your convictions on this issue.

It's amazing what God does with little more than a willing heart. :)