Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CCh - Counsels for the Church (1991) Chapter 48—Counsels on Stewardship God Asks for One-tenth of the Increase He Gives
The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes before the definite system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God’s requirements, they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of His mercies and blessings to them. This was continued through successive generations, and was carried out by Abraham, who gave tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. The same principle existed in the days of Job. Jacob, when at Bethel, an exile and penniless wanderer, lay down at night, solitary and alone, with a rock for his pillow, and there promised the Lord: “Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.” God does not compel men to give. All that they give must be voluntary. He will not have His treasury replenished with unwilling offerings. {CCh 276.1}
As to the amount required, God has specified one tenth of the increase. This is left to the conscience and benevolence of men, whose judgment in this tithing system should have free play. And while it is left free to the conscience, a plan has been laid out definite enough for all. No compulsion is required. {CCh 276.2}
Sister White writes that we are not compelled to give. God does not force us to do anything. God gives us free choice. But there will be consequences if we choose to disobey God. God requires us to worship Him. If we choose not to worship God, we are choosing to worship Satan, we are choosing death, we are choosing Barabbas. So, if we do not honor God with our tithes and offerings, He will not honor us. If we want to receive God’s mercies and blessings, we must choose to comply with His requirements. So, let’s all choose to replenish God’s treasury with willing and cheerful giving. Choose wisely.
Our Father, God Almighty,
We thank You once again for giving us this privilege, and honor, and opportunity to be able to return unto Your treasury that which You require of us, one tenth of our first increase plus an offering. We thank You for giving us the strength and the ability to acquire these means. It all belongs to You, yet You ask for only a tenth of our first increase and an offering. We pray that You will bless these means, that it may go towards proclaiming Your gospel truth to the dark corners of this world. Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee. We thank You for providing for us and for all the blessings You continue to bestow upon us. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
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