Financial Giving is an act of worship and a test of faith. God doesn’t force you to worship Him through giving and tithing 10 percent isn’t an exact requirement – some give less because they have so little while some should give more because ten percent is such a small portion of what they have.
Years ago I called almost all the pastors at my church where I was a member – Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, MN to ask them about tithing. One particular night as I was struggling with trusting God with my finances and the thought tithing when I knew I could not afford it I called Senior Pastor Leith Anderson at his home. I was kind of surprised that the pastor of such a large church and a man with such influence actually took my call at his home in the evening. He humbly encouraged me to give God something as an act of worship and as time went on I could give more as my faith grew.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-13
Soon after talking to Pastor Leith my wife and I committed ourselves to give God a full tithe testing His promises and trusting that He would provide what we would be short to pay our bills (we had a faith budget and needed to trust God to provide the difference). Shortly after that decision I was given an incentive at work to sell a new product and I received a surprisingly large commission as a result of my unexpected sales. They company leaders were so impressed by my performance that they promoted me and gave me a raise which more than covered the amount we had been short to pay our bills when we first started tithing.
We stepped out in faith and God was faithful to bless us. I’m not saying give to God just to get more – I am saying worship God in a tangible way with your finances and see what He will do in our life. Give God the first piece of your pie and watch Him help you get more of what you have left.
Brian Kluth has some great resources to help you financially. Here he challenges you to be faithful to give even if in debt.
Chris Teien 