Friday 14 August, 2015

13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

I’ve been thinking about tithing lately – giving 10% of what I earn to God to build and provide for His church. Giving the full tithe; not just an offering (something less than 10%).

This passage touches on that a little…

“…and give to God what is God’s”

The implication is that I have been given something that is rightfully Gods and he requires that I give it back.

But if I’m honest I have to admit there is some reluctance in my heart. “I need that money to pay for x and y” I say to myself not realising it’s actually his money. All of what I earn. Not just the 10%.

Obviously, priorities need to be addressed and questions need to be asked. Am I spending too much for example.

Beyond that though, I wonder if there is a faith issue here. I wonder if “but I need that money for x and y” is another way of saying “I don’t believe God will supply all my needs.” (See Phil 4:19)

I think a faith injection is in order.

Father God what a joy it is to give to your house; to make your kingdom here on earth a priority, see it grow and be a part of it. As I happily bring my tithe to You I know, I know, I know, without a shadow of doubt, that you will provide my every need. Bless you in Jesus name. Amen!

Written by Boudy van Noppen