A Tithing Testimony

Tithing. Along with the moderate consumption of alcohol, rapture theories, and the words to "Reckless Love", tithing has been a hot topic of conversation in church circles of late.

Some believe in the principle of tithing and follow it. Some believe it is misunderstood and don't follow it. Some believe it is important to follow the principle, but they just don't.

Those who abide by the principle of tithing point to Malachi 3:8-11 which says "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts."

Some of the arguments I've heard point to tithing as a religious exercise formerly required under OT law that no longer should apply to the new testament Christian...that tithing was abolished under the same principles as animal sacrifice.

Here's what I know. I've gone years without paying tithes. I've had years where I was faithful in tithes. This is more than expository bible study; I have personal experience. Below is a testimony that I never expected to happen.

In 2016 my wife and I encountered a massive transformation from complacent religion to an on-fire relationship with Jesus. One of the MANY things that changed after that encounter was our giving. I'm ashamed to admit we had gone years without paying tithes. During those years we endured financial hardships. When God awakened us from our religious slumber, I knew we had to start tithing...but I didn't see how we could.

To my wife's credit, she has always been more stout on giving than I have. I worry about money. A lot. She was the first one to say "we have to start tithing". Even though I agreed that we should, I was the one who arranged the budget and I carefully explained to her several times that we didn't have the money. Our expenses (x) were greater than our income (y), which made a bad math equation and an even worse standard of living. Paying tithes simply did not add up.

I confided in a friend of mine my mental hurdle in trying to be obedient when I knew I couldn't afford it. "Am I really a good steward of my money if I put more in my budget than I have coming in?" I asked.

In a boastful moment of doubt I made this statement to my friend: "I've heard testimonies my entire life how people gave God money they couldn't spare and then a financial miracle would happen that next week - a stranger giving them money, random checks coming in the mail, etc. I believe God can and will do that. But I don't need a one-time financial miracle...I need one every two weeks because I don't have enough money. What is God going to do, send me a check every other Friday so I can pay all my bills?!?"

My friend told me a bunch of things I already knew, but didn't want to admit. Finally, I decided I was tired of this burdening my heart and I gave in. I gave 10% of my next check in the offering plate at church, fully knowing I wouldn't be able to pay all my bills. I quoted Malachi chapter 3 and asked the Lord to give me faith that he would be true to His word.

The following week I received a letter in the mail from a finance company we had used before, but weren't currently using. My daughter had totaled our family vehicle two years prior, so I was curious as to why they were contacting us. The letter read: "Mr. French, during an audit of our financial records it was revealed that you overpaid on your previous account with us. Please find enclosed a check for $350.00".

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I began to thank God for His goodness. All our bills were paid and my faith was restored in the principle of tithing. But, was it realistic to believe this would happen every month?

The following month, after paying tithes with the next two checks, I got another letter from our previous finance company. "Mr. French, after further reviewing your account, it appears we miscalculated the amount you overpaid on your loan. This second check ($350.00) will resolve your account completely".

My emotions flew right past happy tears and landed quickly on laughter. You know, the kind of laughter where anyone within earshot thinks you've lost your mind...yeah, that kind.

The following month we received a random blessing of $800.00 from a different source, which led to me asking God to forgive me for ever questioning Him.

I wish I could tell you the checks kept coming, but they didn't. We didn't end up permanently on heaven's payroll, but God made a way for us in a different form. My wife was offered a better job and I was offered a freelance part-time position to generate extra cash in my free time. Needless to say, our budget has been fine since then.

Question the principle of tithing if you will, but God has proven to me that it's real. If you commit 10% of your earnings to God's storehouse He will rebuke the devourer for your sake and He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing over your life.

He's faithful to His word and He keeps His promises. Try Him and see.

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