Through Deuteronomyنموونە

A Heart Matter 

Giving back to God, a portion of what He has given us is an act of faith. As a small kid, I remember our family used to faithfully offer the first produce every season from our kitchen garden during the Sunday evening chapel service. An auction of the produce happened after service and the money used for the chapel expenses. Another essential principle is tithing, giving a tenth of what we earn. 

Though these principles look easy to follow; it is a challenge to see the first guava sitting on the table. It also takes a lot of courage to give your tithes to the church or other activities when you can use the money to buy the latest gadget or save for the future. It becomes impossible if we are at a place when the tithe money could buy us our next meal. 

So why do we tithe and give our first fruits? It is an act of worship to tell God the following. First and foremost, it acknowledges the fact that God is sovereign in our lives. Unless we are even unconsciously aware of it, we cannot tithe or bring our first fruits. Secondly, we acknowledge that He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. Especially when we give sacrificially (when I could have used it to get my next meal or a better meal), it is telling God that you matter more than my needs. 

We may acknowledge God is sovereign and Jehovah Jireh when we tithe and give our first fruits from a ritualistic point of view. While presenting with this attitude, we may be grumbling or have fear in our heart. As we mature in our Christian walk, we give it as an act of love & submission. There also is a confidence that God will take care of me, resulting in joy and peace in our lives. 

This was the same confidence, love and submission Moses wanted the Israelites to have in following every law God had given them. In remembrance of the Law Moses commanded the Israelites to build an altar on top of Mount Ebal and write the law. He also wanted the priests to shout out the curses to the people and the land on breaking the law.

Thought for the day: Am I tithing and giving God wholeheartedly?

Lord let my actions reflect the love that fills my heart in worship.

Additional reading: Deuteronomy 25 -27