As we've discussed before, current giving statistics for the American church are abysmal. A sizable portion of church-goers do not give any money to their church, and the majority of those who do give only give approximately 3% of their income, far below the biblical minimum of the tithe.
So what do we make of that?
More importantly, what does God make of that?
Well, fortunately for us, He tells us clearly in His Word. We have looked at Malachi 3:10 before, so today, let's focus on the verses which precede this passage:
"Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. 'Return to me, and I will return to you,' says the Lord Almighty. But you ask, 'How are we to return?' 'Will a mere mortal rob God?' yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' 'In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse--your whole nation--because you are robbing me.'" Malachi 3:7-9, emphasis mine
Ouch.
God actually accuses the people who fail to tithe of "robbing him."
In fact, the people are in disbelief and denial at God's choice of words. "How are we robbing you?" they ask. "In tithes and offerings," God replies.
And as a result, these people--and their whole nation--are under a curse.
Remember our discussion about blessings and tithing?
This is no joke, friends!
So, hopefully by now you have prayed about stepping out in obedience to tithing ten-percent of your income. Perhaps you have pulled out your budget and crunched the numbers and had some doubts. Hopefully we've addressed those doubts with some biblical truth here. Now you're ready to start giving. But you wonder: do I need to jump straight to tithing ten-percent, or can I just incrementally increase my giving to be tithing a few years from now?
Here's how Randy Alcorn, author of The Treasure Principle answers that excellent question:
"Some say, 'We'll take this gradually. We're starting with 5 percent.' But that's like saying, 'I used to rob six convenience stores a year. This year, by God's grace, I'm going to rob only three.' The point is not to rob God less--it's not to rob God at all."
I asked my own pastor this question, too. His response was a little gentler: if you chose to increase your giving incrementally, you ought to strive to reach ten-percent as quickly as possible.
So do you see, dear friend? Do you understand that if you are not tithing, you are counted among the thieves that rob God Almighty? This God who loves you, who saves you, and who alone is worthy of ALL our hearts and souls?
Will you take a step of obedience to start tithing today, dear friend? Will you turn away from robbing God and walk in the freedom and joy of giving the full tithe to your church?
Oh, I so hope that you do! There are so many graces and blessings that await you! We will talk about that in some blog posts to come.
For now, take in this somber warning, and take action today.
I can't wait to see what God will do in and through you as you obey Him with your tithe!
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