(Proverbs 11:25 KJV) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Which comes first, being “liberal” (generous NASB) (1293) or being “fat” (prosperous NASB)
(1878)? My mind turns to the concept of tithing. It is amazing how many people change the meaning of the tithe, one tenth, to “whatever you can afford”. The assumption is that poor people cannot afford to tithe. Since we are no longer under the law they are free to make their case but this verse adds a bit of spice to the argument that people might be poor because they do not tithe.
My concern is not tithing. That is between you and the Lord but the point being made here is that God wants us to be generous to people in need. He wants us to be generous in general. This is not a crass, vending machine promise. This is a principle of the universe, laid down by God. I guess it might be a corollary of the golden rule.
So? Simple. Be generous. Share your wealth of money and time. Be a blessing. If done with the right attitude it will be rewarded.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Back in the day, I used to tithe. I couldn't see that our lives were any better for it, but we got by. Then, I got so disgusted with churches spending their money on themselves, rather than the poor, I began tithing to a couple good charities. When I lost my job, I had nothing to tithe. I haven't tithed since, but once I finally got a little income flow, I DID start contributing to a Christian charity. Unfortunately, the last couple months, the bills have WAY surpassed my income and I didn't contribute. I've come to believe that the Lord expects us not to be selfish, but doesn't hold us to constantly contributing or tithing. Most of the people that I see hollering about tithing are the pastors of mega churches who live in mega-mansions. I'll never tithe to a church again; even the small ones usually mis-spend the money.
I am sure you have heard sermons on Malachi 3:10. The principle is clear but I accept we are not under the law. I think your generosity probably goes further than some people's tithe. At the same time the verse in Malachi is directed toward just the type of church you have trouble supporting.
(Malachi 1:10 ASV) Oh that there were one among you that would shut the doors, that ye might not kindle fire on mine altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Jehovah of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
And yet they were still to bring the tithe.
I imagine there are a majority of churches that have "Ichabod" written over their door.
Grace and peace
Post a Comment