1.12.10 "The First of All I Have"

"The First of All I Have"

Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10

One of the interesting dynamics of parenting is that moment in McDonald's when you've just purchased dinner for your family, and you reach for one of your child's fries. Any parent out there can tell what they hear next: "Hey, those are... " what's that next word? yup, "mine!" How easily the child forgets where the provision came from. That never happens to adults, right?

"Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines." -Prov. 3:9-10

Is tithing important to you? Is it a part of your life? What's the big deal about the tithe? I've grown up learning the importance of giving to God right away, but for some, it may not make sense. In fact, someone told me that they believe "it's just the church's strategy to make more money."

To have that kind of perception shows a lack of understanding of the nature of God as well as missing a scriptural principle.

The first commandment is Thou shall have no other God's before me. What does that mean? God is first. Too often we push this to the 'left over' commandment. We don't give to God from our "first", we give to him from what is "left".

This doesn't just apply to the tithe. It applies to all our resources. What about our time? "I just didn't have time to wait on God today." "I'm too busy to use my gifts for the kingdom."

Notice the pattern in the lack of understanding? "it's all about me & MY stuff". When we give to God first, it sets in motion a chain effect. The first thing is that we are walking in obedience. Scripture commands it. The next benefit is that we are training our flesh to understand that "all of this is God's anyway." Another benefit is that he pours out his blessing. Why is that? It's because we've shown we can be trusted. When we give to God first, we know how to handle blessing appropriately. God doesn't want to see his people "hoard" blessing.

So many times we try to separate the financial portion of our life from other areas. We compartmentalize this area as if it effects nothing else. The truth is that it is very related to the core of our being. "Where your treasure is, your heart is there also."

The act of tithe is in an act of obedience: Worship. The principle of stewardship is found in Active Ministry Involvement. It is showing Responsibility in using what he has given us for his glory. So, can you live the DREAM without tithing being a part of your being? Not really. Can you Live the DREAM by only giving God what is "left" of our time and resources? Not really. We must understand that this is a vital part of the maturing process. As we grow to know him more, we see how this is a necessary portion of the Balanced Christian Life. Give Him your "First" today!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ