In these tough times of economic recession and job loss, the faithful have had to face the reality of managing money more stringently than in times past. The cost of living and maintaining mortgages have become increasingly more difficult; every dime has to be accounted for. There is no room for extravagant spending. Only those things that are necessary for living can be afforded. On the other hand the faithful are required to demonstrate their faithfulness and loyalty to God through supporting His church and ministry. It has come down to the point that they have to make a decision that places priority on how much is given to charity and what is spent on making ends meet.

The temptation of meeting our personal needs and expenditures before considering the support of the church weighs heavily upon us as we contemplate what direction we should take. The urgency of these times has forced us unwillingly to regulate and control excessive spending; tightening the belt on waste, and establishing new priorities. Other commodities such as insurance, college tuitions and investment portfolios often have had to take a back seat.

There is a solution to all of this and that is having an understanding of the promises that God has made to those who honor Him first and foremost. The Scriptures tells us, in Proverbs 3:1-6 "My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: so shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him (God) and He shall direct your paths." Ultimately one finds a treasure that can only be had by honoring God with the first fruit of his labor.

Contrary to common thinking, giving offerings and tithing is God’s way of financing His Church. Those who tithe receive (a treasure) certain amenities that enriches their lives and brings blessings and favor upon their homes, families, and community. Malachi 3:8 asks, “Will a man rob God?” The prophet tells us that we are cursed with a curse because we have robbed God, even this whole nation. Failure on our part to pay tithes causes untold havoc to occur in our lives because we have robbed God. The blessing and favor of God follow those who honor Him and keep His ways. Those who live to the contrary suffer great loss and discontent.

The prophet further states, “Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of Hosts.”

God has given us His promise and He has fulfilled everything that He has declared concerning the lives of those who are faithful in underwriting the cost of ministry. If a corporation cannot operate without a sales staff to grow the company financially to move forward, then how can the Church service and support the community when funds are needed to do so? Good intent is one form of helping the community but providing food, services and facilitation requires finances that are obtained from your tithe. Faithfully paying tithes has great benefits. Those who obey have found a great treasure that last for a lifetime.