Test Him

As a single public school teacher, I’ve never had a lot left in my bank account at the end of the month. When there is still more month at the end of my money, I am learning to rely on God to provide.

Jesus spoke a lot about money. He often used money to speak about the condition of a person’s heart. Even the writers of the New Testament recognized this. Timothy wrote, “ … the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10).

I think for many of us, our possessions provide security. Money in the bank gives us a sense of control. However, one bad day on the Stock Exchange could shake our security. One diagnosis or one car wreck could wipe out our savings and change things dramatically.

God is in control of everything, even the economy. He challenges us to trust his sovereign hand to be our security. But trust is not just a mental exercise. We must put our money where our trust is and stand on God’s promise that he will bless us in return. In Malachi, God asks us to give 10% (a tithe) of our income back to him. If we do, he promises to bless us so much we won’t have room for it all.

I was taught to tithe as a child. As an adult I have continued the practice. When I look back on my life, I see that God has never failed to provide for my needs, or even some of my wants.

Lord, help me to grow in my trust of you. You have asked me to tithe as an expression of that trust. Help me let go and change my perspective on my needs and my wants. Above all, show me your blessings as I obey. Amen.

Go Deeper — If you are not in the habit of tithing, consider starting. Tithe to your local church or to a ministry in your community. If 10% feels like too much, start with 5% and see what God does! If you are already tithing regularly, ask God if you should give beyond that tithe to further the work of the Kingdom here on Earth. Above all, trust him!

Read Further — If you have never tried tithing, reading this may help.