and put Me to the test now in this,” says the LORD of armies,
“if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.
Malachi 3:10 (NASB)
In Malachi 3:10, God says we can put Him to the test with our finances. He has said that he will open the windows of heaven and pour out an overflowing blessing on us. But, we have to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.
So, what is a tithe?
According to christianity.com, “A tithe is really an Old Testament term. It was the gifts that the Israelites were required to, really the tax that they were required to pay. Nowadays we generally use it as just a way of saying give 10% of your income to the church.”
The main point of tithing is about your heart’s attitude toward money. It’s about renewing your mind to remember that your money is really God’s money, and He’s chosen you to steward that gift. How are you going to use His money to further His kingdom? How can you use His money to impact others in Jesus’ name? When you understand that you are giving His money back to God through tithing, it refocuses your heart on what God is able to do with that money, rather than what you can do with that money.
Beginning August 5, we’re encouraging anyone who’s never tithed before to challenge themselves. For 90 days, give God the first 10%-before the bills, before the expenses, before Starbucks-and see what He does in your life. We’re crazy enough to give you your money back at the end of those 90 days, if you don’t experience the blessings of God.
He says to put Him to the test. You up for it?