FEARING THE LORD
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13-15
"...The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to fear the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 14:23 NLT
The practice of tithing I have been well aware of since early childhood.
It was discussed in our home, it was practiced in our home and it was considered quite important in our home.
Praise be to God, we have continued that Christian discipline in our own home-through even the leanest of weeks.
But even in knowing what I do about tithing, I was surprised to see this morning the real reason for it.
The purpose is not to fill the church offering plates.
It's not to bankroll for future building needs.
It's not to keep me from attaining too healthy a balance in my checkbook.
It's to keep me fearing the Lord.
Fearing as in being in awe. Fearing as in revering to the uttermost. Fearing as to knowing my lowly status in comparison to His.
I'm to fear Him more than I fear not getting other bills paid.
More than having a comfortable cushion in the account.
More than being free to purchase what I want when I want in the quantities I want.
Tithing, giving God His first, teaches priorities.
It's an act of worship.
