"You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year." Deuteronomy 14:22
As we talk about spending our finances wisely, one topic that must be addressed is tithing. Tithing is a practice taught in Scripture that consists of giving 10% of your income back to the Lord. It is a way to show Him that you trust Him with your finances and give back to Him what belongs to Him in the first place. It is also an act of obedience, as tithing is a command given by the Lord in Scripture.
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives instruction to the people of Israel from the Lord. All of this instruction serves to honor God and also benefit the Israelites. In chapter fourteen of Deuteronomy, Moses gives instruction to the Israelites from God about tithing. He tells them to bring one-tenth of all of their crops to God each year. The purpose of this is to celebrate the ways God has blessed them. Out of the abundance God has given them, they are to give back to God. Rather than being a somber occasion, it is to be a time of celebration, thanking God for his blessings and provision.
When you consider tithing, is it an act of celebration for you or is it something you do only out of obligation? My friend, God has richly blessed you. Even in difficult times, you probably have stories of how the Lord miraculously provided for you exactly what you needed. Tithing is an opportunity to celebrate His provision. If you are not currently tithing, what is holding you back? Are you concerned about finances or wanting to spend that 10% of your income rather than offer it to God? Will you choose to trust God to provide and offer that 10% of your income anyway? Let's be people who tithe joyfully, celebrating the rich blessings that God has given us.
Are you currently tithing, giving 10% of your income back to the Lord? If not, it's time to take on our 90-Day Tithe Challenge. For the next three months, commit to tithing and see how the Lord will provide for you over the next ninety days as you give a portion of your income back to Him. If you are currently tithing, your challenge is to consider how you can be even more generous with your income over the next month. Maybe that looks like tithing 15% instead of 10, giving to an organization that helps those who are homeless or purchasing groceries for someone you know is in need. Whatever you decide, give joyfully, trusting God to richly provide for you as you are generous with your finances.
“You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God.
“Now when the Lord your God blesses you with a good harvest, the place of worship he chooses for his name to be honored might be too far for you to bring the tithe. If so, you may sell the tithe portion of your crops and herds, put the money in a pouch, and go to the place the Lord your God has chosen. When you arrive, you may use the money to buy any kind of food you want—cattle, sheep, goats, wine, or other alcoholic drink. Then feast there in the presence of the Lord your God and celebrate with your household. And do not neglect the Levites in your town, for they will receive no allotment of land among you.
“At the end of every third year, bring the entire tithe of that year’s harvest and store it in the nearest town. Give it to the Levites, who will receive no allotment of land among you, as well as to the foreigners living among you, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, so they can eat and be satisfied. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work.
