Week 1 | Day 4 | Tithing is Choosing God First

Command:

“And now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.” Deuteronomy 26:10

Read:

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Reflect:

Our church had these red velvet bags which were passed between each aisle when it was time to collect our generosity envelopes. It was reminiscent of our childhood watching our parents pull out a few dollars to donate to our church as the wooden pole with the bag at the end of it swept through our row. So when the red bag made its way to us, as newly committed Christ followers, we thought we were big shots dropping in a twenty dollar bill - fifteen more than what we were used to seeing.

We later came to understand what tithing really meant. “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. (Deut. 14:22)” A tenth of a year’s wages was significantly more than the twenty bucks we were giving. This discovery sent us into a temporary shock, and revealed the changes God was asking us to make in regards to our finances. He wanted us to be generous with him.

Tithing is not simply tipping God. He does not need it. He is seeking hearts. Tithing our tenth to him is an act of honoring him. It’s choosing him first over money.

React:

Where does your heart stand when it comes to tithing? Is it time to start honoring the Lord with what he is asking of you?

Pray:

Lord, I want to honor you. Reveal in me where I am not putting you first. Help me change that through my generosity towards you.