The Heart Attitudes: Part 7Намуна

Heart Attitude #6 – Support the Work Financially

“Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart – not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 

“Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30

Are you still with us? I suspect some may skip this week’s devotions. We get uncomfortable talking about money and giving, even among dedicated followers of Jesus. It is a lot like the topic of politics. We know we need it, but we do not like to discuss it with others.

As we read in Leviticus, the Old Testament called on the Israelites to offer a tenth of everything they gained that year to the Lord. That is where we get the word “tithe” from, it means the tenth! It was set apart to the Lord before it was even given. The tithes were used to make sure the Levities, the folks who served as priests for the Lord, had food and houses so they could survive. The people gave to supply the needs of those who served them before the Lord and helped them worship God throughout the year.

If you read through the Old Testament, you will also find times where the people gave other offerings for various things. Sometimes to thank the Lord for something special or to help build or repair the temple as needed. 

The people gave to honor the Lord. They gave so that the worship of the Lord might be conducted regularly. They gave to support those engaged in the leading of the people to worship the Lord. They gave to demonstrate their fellowship with God. 

In the Old Testament we see the Lord establishing the pattern of supporting the work financially. It developed into a formal plan that established the tithe as the amount set aside for the Lord. Tomorrow we'll look at what the New Testament teaches about giving to support the work of the ministry.