When I am making a major purchase, I check on the consumer report. Does the product work as advertised? Does it have a good service quality? Various agencies create rigorous testing standards that allow consumers to compare one manufacturers product against another. I have paid more for a product that has a significantly higher rating, believing that the quality is worth the expense.
Generally, we are discouraged from trying to test the Lord! He does not subject Himself to our proofs and standards, except in one instance. There is a situation where HE invites you and me to put Him to the test. Here’s what He says: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies." (Malachi 3:10-11, NLT)
The prophet Malachi, speaking for the Lord, urged the people of God to put Him first; in their worship, in their personal lives, and in their practice of tithing. Do you know what that last one is? It is the practice of taking the first 10% of income and setting it aside for God’s work in this world. His promise is that if we will faithfully put Him first, He will care for us. And, He invites us to take note of His performance. I realize that writing this invites abuse. I know that there are preachers who turn this into a prosperity scheme. “You give God a hundred dollars and He’ll give you back a thousand!” they loudly proclaim, as they enrich themselves by playing to people’s greed!
That is not what that passage means, at all. The Lord calls us to be a people who get our lives in proper order; putting Him first in all things. If we do, He says that He will see to it that we are cared for, that He will make a clear distinction of blessing in our lives. The tithe is just one way, among many, that we show our devotion.
Let me offer this personal testimony. Bev and I have always tithed our income. When we made very little, God got the first 10%. When we had more, we rejoiced that we could give more. Writing those checks over the years has been our joy. When we support ministries and missions with regular, faithful, and sometimes sacrificial giving we feel that we are a part of the work. I have no idea the actual amount we have invested in the Lord’s work over 35 year’s time, but I am sure it is over $150,000, perhaps more. (That’s not a boast! I know many who give many times over that amount!) Did we give our tithe expecting to get rich? Not for a moment. We give because we love Jesus Christ and want to see His work accomplished in this world. We have experienced His faithfulness, time and time again. He provides what we need, when we need it. He has turned little into much, kept us steady in stormy times. Yes, I can say that He has passed the test.
We don’t just tithe to gain a kind of divine insurance. Our practice of tithing is part of a lifestyle of commitment to Him. Disciple, is He first in your life? Does your commitment show in your use of time, in your daily choices, and in your checkbook? God says, "Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams." (Malachi 3:10, The Message)
Actually, that is not an isolated text in the Scripture. Malachi most succinctly summarizes a principle that is woven throughout the Word. We are urged to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The result is that we live in Him, not exempt from the trials of life, but guided and sustained by Him through them. In our devotion, we find grace that teaches us the disciplines that allow us to enjoy abundant lives marked by the fruit of the Spirit which includes all the best qualities – "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance." (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV)
Remember, disciple; spiritual fruit is not produced in a day, or by single choice. It develops to maturity over time, when we consistently and faithfully do His will, accept His grace, and obey His commands. Prove Him! My report is: “He is faithful!”
_____________________
Lord, You have shown
Yourself to be,
Never changing,
Always faithful.
Lord, You have shown
Your heart for me,
The loving touch
Of a caring Father.
In every day that passes
And all the world's distractions;
Through seasons
And life's changes,
You always remain
Faithful to me –
With Your...
Perfect love, perfect love
casts out all fear and shows me that
Every Word and promise to me
Will be fulfilled - will be fulfilled
Faithful, You are faithful
Faithful, faithful, faithful!
Faithful - Eoghan Heaslip
CCLI License No. 810055
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