Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
A Matter of Honor
Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Some people cringe when it comes to giving an offering. They may even leave right before the offering in a church service. Some even argue that tithing is under the old covenant. But giving to God is really an issue of honor.
God is the One Who blesses us with good things. Should we not let Him know how much we appreciate them (and Him)? There are examples of the Old Testament saints doing just that.
In Genesis 14, Abram rescued his nephew (also called brother) Lot and all that he had from the several nations that had taken them captive. The Scriptures tells us that he recovered all their goods. Abram gave glory to God for the victory and paid tithes of all.
Noah made an altar to God and sacrificed (or gave an offering) to God after he and his family were saved from the flood (Genesis 8). This was honor to the Lord. Tithing is not just a commandment; it’s a way of honoring God. It’s a way of saying, “"thank You for all You have done"”.
David is probably the greatest Old Testament example of someone who continually gave God the credit for the victories in his life. We see this again and again in the Psalms. He didn’t just honor God in song; he honored God in his deeds.
And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
2 Samuel 24:24
The degree of your giving demonstrates the degree of your honor. It also shows the degree of your thanksgiving and love. Luke 7 gives a good example of this.
There was a woman who anointed Jesus with “precious ointment”. It was very expensive. Some commentators say it was worth a year’s salary. Now, this woman was known to be a sinner, suggesting she was a prostitute. Jesus came to forgive us our sins. This woman obvious appreciated that and showed her appreciation and love by anointing Jesus with something that costs her a lot of money.
Your giving reflects the glory, the honor, and the praise you ascribe to God. How much do you love God?