Entrusted - Part 2

            For a long time, I struggled with tithing, fighting the feeling that I was giving my money as a ‘duty’ rather than a free-will offering. God spoke to my heart and let me know that He sees the suffering of His children, and for those of us that He has entrusted with resources (and for most Americans, that’s us, as we’re wealthier than the vast majority of the rest of the world), He will hold us accountable for whether we use His resources as intended or squander them on ourselves.

            This is not to say that you can’t take your family to Disneyland or buy your wife a new pair of earrings. God also takes delight in blessing His children—and that’s you and me, too. How much of the funds entrusted to you are your ‘living allowance,’ and how much God intends to bless you with for your own enjoyment, is between you and God.

            What I do mean is that our mindset needs to shift. We need to cease the possessive mentality of “it’s mine” and switch to the giving mentality of “it’s His.” Once you start giving with a cheerful heart, God will bless you and reward your obedience: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).

            Which brings me back to tithing. You may feel that because of the New Covenant, we are not obligated to tithe. However, Paul pointed out that we should be compelled to do more under grace, not less; ten percent is meant to be but a starting point. You will need to pray and seek God’s direction about what to do with the other ninety. But all of it is God’s.

             I’m very human, and I still struggle with this. I still feel that little lurch in my stomach some days when I reach for the checkbook. Yet it is comforting beyond measure to know that I’m drawing on God’s bank account, not mine, and that it is He who will supply all my needs, not my own hands or mere luck of the draw.

            One final point. In the book of Genesis, we find the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but raised up by God until he found favor with Pharaoh. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dream and thereby saving all of Egypt from the droughts that they predicted, Joseph is told by Pharaoh: “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you… I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh takes off his signet ring—the symbol of his power and authority—and places it on Joseph’s finger. He dresses him in fine robes and puts a golden chain around his neck. Pharaoh tells him, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt” (Genesis 41:39-44).

             I recently re-read this story, and it was like a light bulb came on over my head. We are like Joseph. God has entrusted us with the riches of this world, resources beyond measure, and has even given us power and authority in His name. He is still God—He is on the throne, not us—but He has given us the awesome responsibility of caring for the earth and its people. How can we keep living as if we have to gather up as much stuff as we can and hold onto it as long as possible? How can we keep thinking that it’s even ours to begin with? How can we not see the incredible duty we have been entrusted with?

            May I remember it every time I reach for my checkbook.

            That is, every time I reach for His checkbook.