What does giving a tithe of all you acquire teach about stewardship? An Unexpected Lesson from a Pharisee’s Tithe “I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.” (Luke 18:12) • Jesus places these words on the lips of a self-righteous Pharisee, yet the practice he describes—tithing everything—still highlights enduring truths about stewardship. • Even in a negative example, the literal act of returning a tenth underscores Scripture’s consistent witness that managing money is never merely financial; it is profoundly spiritual. God Owns Everything—Tithing Acknowledges That • Leviticus 27:30: “Any tithe … belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” • Psalm 24:1 affirms, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” • By giving the first tenth, a steward confesses in concrete terms, “Nothing I have is really mine; I am holding God’s property in trust.” • This perspective frees the heart from possessiveness and situates every spending decision under God’s authority. Whole-Life Stewardship: “Of All I Acquire” • The Pharisee claims he tithes “all,” not merely crops or income streams that are easy to track. • Genesis 14:20 shows Abram giving “a tenth of everything.” The principle spans time, terrain, and economy. • Today that means paychecks, bonuses, investment gains, gifts—everything the Lord places in our hands. • Such comprehensive giving guards against compartmentalizing faith and finances. Tithing Trains the Heart Toward Humble Faithfulness • 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Tithing offers a measurable starting point for that faithfulness. • Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” Handling ten percent well prepares believers to manage the remaining ninety in a God-honoring way. • Malachi 3:10 links faithful giving with God’s promise of provision, cultivating trust instead of anxiety. Firstfruits, Not Leftovers • Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Giving off the top places God first in priorities, preaching to the soul that bills, hobbies, and ambitions come second to kingdom purposes. • This rhythm trains families and congregations to plan around generosity rather than treat it as an afterthought. Giving that Springs from Grace, Not Pride • The Pharisee’s failure was boasting, not tithing. Jesus contrasts him with a humble tax collector to remind us the heart behind the gift matters most. • 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 calls for cheerful, willing giving empowered by grace. • Matthew 6:21 warns, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Tithing that flows from gratitude keeps the focus on God, not on self-display. Practical Takeaways for Today • Set aside the first ten percent of every increase as an act of worship. • View the remaining ninety percent as still God’s, to be budgeted prayerfully. • Let generosity expand beyond the tithe as the Lord prospers you (2 Corinthians 9:6). • Remember that faithful stewardship is measured by obedience and humility, never by public recognition. |
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