Many preachers tell their congregations that if they tithe (give 10 percent), they will be blessed by God. These preachers say Malachi 3:10 applies to Christians. “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’ ” But this was written to the nation of Israel. They were under the Law Covenant which commanded tithes to support the Levites. Even the Levites themselves were to tithe. Christians are not under the law and do not support the tribe of Levi. God never promises Christians that if they tithe, they will be blessed with earthly blessings.
On the contrary, Jesus told his followers that they would be persecuted. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) If you lost your job because you were upholding righteousness, then you will be blessed. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Why did you backslide? We don’t know. But we do know backsliding has nothing to do with tithing first fruits. The scriptures tell us what to do when we sin. 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then pray and ask God to help you to obey Him. Finally, ask God to direct your job search.
Additional Resources:
Download the free PDF: “How God Answers Prayer”
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1040: “Do Tithes and Offerings Belong in Christianity?”
Understanding tithing and establishing Christian giving
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CQ Rewind Show Notes
