Wisdom DateSample

Tithe

In the week following our Atlanta scouting trip, we packed and prepared to move with joy, but we were concerned that our house had still not sold.

During that busy time, I still remember the specific moment the Holy Spirit clearly spoke in my heart, “You are to tithe.” I knew He had spoken and I knew what that meant. But how could we possibly obey? A tithe would be ten percent of our income. I hadn’t worked all summer and Bill had been fired from his job in July. We had fifty dollars in the bank. Ten percent of fifty dollars was five dollars—a huge amount of money in 1967. We could buy a couple of bags of groceries with five dollars. 

When Bill came home for lunch, I relayed what the Lord had said. After thinking for a while, he mused, “I don't see how we can do it, but God spoke to you. Do what you think is best.” I debated in my mind into the afternoon. After weighing our immediate needs, I dismissed the idea of tithing. 

The first weekend in September, we transitioned to a new life in Atlanta. Our house had not sold, but we tried not to worry, trusting God for everything. Months passed into a year and still the house did not sell.

By spring, a year and a half later, we were thread-bear and weary. Inspecting our cupboard, I found we had enough food—if we stretched it—for three to four days. We had five dollars in cash designated for Susan's school lunch ticket, and a couple of gallons of gas in the car. Payday was a distant ten days away.  

I was home when the mail arrived Tuesday morning. Amidst the various bills was our church’s annual pledge letter. A tithing card and brochure were included. 

That brochure made a lifelong impression that I committed to heart. The illustration was in cartoon format and the narrative read as follows: God gave a man ten apples. The man was to use three apples for food, three for shelter, and three for clothing. He was to give one apple back to God to thank Him for the other nine. But the tenth apple seemed bigger and redder than all the others, so he ate the apple and gave the core to God. 

I was stricken. God had not said to me, “Do you want to tithe?” He had said, “You are to tithe.” I placed the letter, tithe card, and brochure on Bill’s desk with a note stating, “We are to tithe!” and left for work. 

By the time I arrived home that night, Bill had calculated our tithe from my gross income, and had placed the appropriate amount on the pledge card along with his signature. With conviction and joy I placed my name below his, sealed the card in an envelope and sent it back to our church with Wednesday’s mail. We were now committed.

On Thursday morning we received a surprise check for twenty-five dollars from one of our pastors with a personal note saying he remembered the financial strain of seminary. Here miraculously was our food and gas provision. How we praised and thanked God!

By Wednesday of the next week, our house in Danville had sold. If this were not enough of a confirmation of God’s faithfulness, an anonymous friend sent us a gift of $150.00 that very same week. Tithing was established as our spiritual habit from that time on.

After all these years I can testify that the Lord has more than provided for all my financial needs. Today’s Scriptures are about giving. God gave first out of love. Our appropriate response is giving. He is your gift and He is more than worthy of your gifts, dear child.