You’ve just put your tithes into the offering plate. Now, getting out of the financial mess you’re in is all up to God. Right? Luke 6:38 -“Give and it will be given to you...” (NIV) You say, “Surely God will keep His Word and cause more money to come my way. The ball is in God’s court because I’ve done my part. I’m going to be patient and wait on God. I will not lose faith because I know being a tither will get me out of this jam.”
The perception exists that tithing (giving 10% of your income to your local church) is the only thing God requires of us before pouring out financial blessings. The bible does promise a reward for tithing. Malachi 3:10 -“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (NIV) The truth, however, is that tithing is just the beginning.
A "spiritual" basketball game.
Imagine if you will a “spiritual” basketball game in which you and God play on the same team. Tithing is how you get God off of the bench and into the game, but you still have to shoot and score yourself. You cannot take a seat on the bench and expect God to single-handedly win the game. Your tithe is the tool that God uses to “…rebuke the devourer for your sakes.” Malachi 3:11 (NKJV) The Forces of Satan, the team you and God are playing against, are held back by God to allow you as a tither to press on toward the goal of financial prosperity. It’s a team effort. You will win the game, and thus receive financial increase, not because God did all of the scoring but because you did your part as well.
What is my part?
You ask, “What is my part?” James 2:17 - “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) This is where many tithers fall short. They give their tithes, but then go sit on the bench to watch God do something miraculous. While God certainly can bring a miracle in the form of unexpected income, He usually does not cause a large check to show up in your mailbox just because you threw 10% (or even more) into the plate. God usually brings extra income by opening up doors for better employment, additional education, skill development, or even revealing areas where your spending has been out of control. Tithing is your act of faith, but God expects you to put some action with your faith by walking through the open doors that He provides.
The most critical action required in order to score is this: Properly manage the other 90% through the use of a monthly spending plan (i.e. budget). Utilizing a spending plan for what you already have shows God you have a plan for handling the resources He provides. It’s the most tangible way to put action with your faith and results in God entrusting you with more. In the parable of the talents, the master praises two servants for how well they managed the resources entrusted to them. Matthew 25:21, 23 - “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (NIV)
Winning the game!
God will not do your part for you. It’s your responsibility to put in the employment application, work hard, cut out unnecessary spending, and live on a budget (and stick to it). This is how tithers win the game of financial increase, by working pro-actively with God as a team to better their situation. “God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it in the nest.” (J.G. Holland) Likewise, “The haves and the have-nots can often be traced back to the dids and did-nots.” (D.O. Flynn)
Tithing alone will not get the job done, but it is a necessary first step. If you’re not tithing, start IMMEDIATELY. Afterwards, don’t become a spectator. Do YOUR part to make financial increase become a reality. You may not be waiting on God for your increase after all. He may be waiting on you to put some action with your faith. Go score!
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