Tithing: The Way To Wealth
By Rev. Deborah Saliby
As an ordained minister we are directed to tell the people
of our parish about the law of tithing. It is our duty to reveal God's laws, especially
where His people's prosperity is concerned. God wants us to prosper, He wants all
good things for us; just as a loving father wants the best in all matters for his
children. We are children of God and the spiritual law of tithing was created for
us to prosper, not just financially, but spiritually, mentally and physically as
well.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that
there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts,
if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that
there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10
Some churches actually keep this information about tithing
from people thinking it will turn them off and that they will leave the church. There
is so much distrust and taking in the world today, and because this attitude exists
the church doesn't want people to think that they only want their money, so they
don't bring the law of tithing into the picture at all. This is only robbing people
of their birthright to experience true prosperity.
Tithing begins with the first fruits offering. This is done
by taking a complete inventory of everything you own; property, cars, furniture,
bank accounts, everything. Then you figure out how much it is all worth, placing
a monetary value on it. Once that is complete you present 10% of that total to the
place where you learned about the law of tithing; the place where you receive your
spiritual food. Then you let it go. This is God's money and He will use it as He
sees fit. Putting it into the church and its people helps to keep the doors of the
church open so that we, the people, can continue to go there and receive spiritual
nourishment which sustains us.
"And now, behold, I have brought the first fruits of
the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord
they God, and worship before the Lord the God." Deuteronomy 26:10
You have now taken the first step in faithing. You have begun
to plant your seeds of prosperity, not only on Earth, but you have laid your treasures
in the Heavens as well. God works through people, places and conditions. He is in
control. He is the one activated in your space to begin with, awakening you to this
spiritual law of tithing. It is always Him who does the tithing. The more you allow
God to tithe through you, the more He comes alive within you, and you will see your
life grow and unfold for the better continuously.
After the first fruits has been given, tithing can truly begin.
The formula goes like this. It's at least 10% and not more than 30% of your gross
income. This is to be given to the same place where you learned about the law of
tithing. It can be done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as long as it is continual
and regular. It's like once you have planted your seeds through first fruits, tithing
continues to water those seeds. Your faith in God's law becomes activated. And again,
you let it go, it's in God's hand now. It is not your business how it gets used.
You have done your job.
There is only one way we can block ourselves when it comes
to tithing. This is done when we take the attitude that by tithing we automatically
should receive the good life; whether it be in expecting a lot of money to come our
way, or in some special praise or favoritism, or that God will give us everything
we want. For one thing, God gives to us what we need. This can be a big difference
from what we want. The attitude of giving only to receive back is a taking attitude.
This can set us up for a big disappointment, anger and resentment down the road.
This is not the attitude with which one should approach tithing.
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For
ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters
of law, judgment, mercy and faith; these ye ought to have done, and not to leave
the other undone." Matthew 23:23
It has been said that God loves a hilarious giver. He wants
that love to come alive in His people. He wants believers who have the faith that
by following His laws He will see fit to unfold in their life whatever He sees fit
to unfold. He wants true givers who are in love with His life flowing through them.
It boils down to, "For those who believe no explanation is necessary. For those
who don't believe, no explanation is possible."
For the purposes of this article, and because it is my duty
to do so, I have explained the law. Now is the time for you to take a look inside
yourself to see where you are really at with this information now that you have received
it.
Tithing is between you and God and is not to be flaunted about.
It is a holy exercise, an internal one, which connects us more and more to His essence
and life. God knows that not everyone will tithe. Only those who He has awakened
will do so. Are you one of them? Has that little voice inside spoken up and said,
"Yes, it is the right thing to do?"
By following the laws of the world we are granted certain privileges
and rights. Doors and opportunities may have opened for us because we are being upright
citizens. How much more will heavenly doors open when we follow the spiritual laws
of God. I hear He is laying mansions for us up there. It makes sense that if we follow
His laws we get to live in His land - the land of good and plenty.
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