You Are Only Worth 1%.

Recently I have been doing some work as a roofer. I remember the first job site I showed up to, it seemed so defeating. The pitch of the roof was so steep that not one person could stand upright on the roof; we just slid on down. It was early in August and the heat hadn't given up, they say if you take the normal temperature and add fifteen to twenty degrees you get roof temperature. Synopsis: Hot, nasty, dirty work. Some enjoy this type of work, but I have been called to a pastoral office, this type of work is a new thing for me. As bad as this job gets; however, if God asked me to do it for Him, I would gladly do it.... without pay. Many of us are quick to do what someone may request of us especially if they are important. Perhaps helping a friend move or mowing the neighbors lawn without compensation. What if your pastor asked you to help him work on his car. For the most part these things are classified under "deeds or works" and are done with joy. Did you know that when you go to work each day, God has asked you to do that for Him; sometimes without pay.

Think of your job, whatever it is. What if God asked you to work a half day out of the week for free fro Him? Would you do it? What if He were manifest right in front of you and then asked you, would you do it, doesn't He deserve it? Would it really be that hard to do? The question is not, can you afford to do it. The question is would you do it and God is asking. Wouldn't you go to work for the equivalent (four hours) to help a friend in need.

I am going to let you in on a little secret..... God has already asked! Not only has He asked but He as added a promise to it too, Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." It just so happens that half a day in a standard five day work week is a "tithe" or tenth of your work week, go figure.

God doesn't need our money, that is not the point of giving to Him. The Bible is full of people making sacrifices and giving to the church. Around Jesus' time people were spending up to 30% of their anual earnings every year for a sacrifice at a temple in Jerusalem. In Deuteronomy laws are given and among them were concepts of giving 10% or every tenth sheep in a flock. God want us to give back to Him and with good reason... So He can show us His provision and love.


Now 10% or a "Tithe" is a standard and is expected, but God cares more about why we give than how much we give sometimes too. Mark 12:41-44 "41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." This lady gave 100% out of her heart, and because of that Jesus rejoiced and elevated her gift about that of the rich man which was many times greater.

Hopefully you have been giving your "tithe," it is God's money because He has asked of it. If you haven't been perhaps now you will, He deserves it. Don't tell God "you are only worth 1%" because after what He did for us He deserves more than we could ever give. Let God know you trust Him and He will bless you abundantly, Give your tithe, that is 10%.