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“Return to Me”
Bring a
one-week tithe on April 20
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“Give to Caesar what is
Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” That was the response of Jesus when asked if
we should pay taxes. (Matthew
22:21) |
We may not be so
radical as to consider not paying our taxes. Most of us are law-abiding citizens
who do our duty in this regard. But are we as reliable and faithful in our
response to God?
If what Caesar (or in
our case, the IRS) wants is a big chunk of my paycheck, what is it that God
wants? Obviously, he wants my heart, mind, soul and strength. He wants an
intimate, personal relationship with me. That comes first. God also wants me to
put to productive use the talents and gifts He’s given me (Romans 12:6-8). But
the Bible is also clear that another important way I honor and obey God is
through the tithe… bringing the “firstfruits into the storehouse.” (Leviticus
27:30)
And so, this year,
right after we “give to Caesar” on April 15, why don't we all give to God by
bringing the tithe of one week’s earnings to the First Baptist “storehouse” on
Sunday, April 20?
Start with the amount
of your annual income, as reported on your tax return. Take 10% of that amount
and divide it by 52 to determine what your tithe on one week’s income would have
been last year.
Some may look at that
number and say, “No way! I just cannot write a check that large right now.”
That's OK. But don't opt out of the joy of giving just because you can't give
the full 10% in one Sunday. The point is to be bold and trust God. Write a check
for just a little more than you think you can reasonably afford. Then trust God
to make it work.
Others may say, “I've
been moving toward the tithe. I give a definite percentage. But I just can't
move to the full tithe for one week right now.” That's OK, too. Again, be bold
and trust God. Just for this one Sunday, stretch a bit. See what God can do.
Why the tithe? For one
reason, the Bible teaches it:
“Return to me so I can
return to you,” says God-of-the-Angel-Armies… “Bring your full tithe to the
Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this
and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond
your wildest dreams.”
-Malachi 3:7-10 (The Message)
Why have such an
emphasis right now? We started the year in a financial deficit situation. And
giving to-date in 2008 is not keeping pace with the financial needs of the
church. With our new pastor coming in May, this is a good
opportunity to not only prove to ourselves that we can be faithful in our
giving, but we can also put the church in a better financial position to begin
our new pastor's tenure.
Trust God with his
promise from Malachi 3:10 and “Bring your full tithe to the Temple” on April 20.
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