Is money important?
Do you know anybody who is bad a managing money?
Why do you think people get into debt?
How do you spend your money when you earn it?
The past few weeks we have discussed the validity of God's word. We talked about believing what he says, and that we should live accordingly.
Did you know our money can play an important role in how well we are obeying God?
Is it okay to steal?
Have you ever stolen anything?
Would you ever consider stealing money from God?
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 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 you will not have room enough for it."
-Malachi 3:8-10
Tithe means tenth. We are commanded to give one tenth of all we earn to God. Giving offering means more than a tenth, that is optional, and you can decide where to donate. Tithing, according to the Bible, is not optional.
Why do you think this is very difficult to most people?
God assures us that He will provide for us. Beyond that, He says that he will throw open the floodgates of heaven and poor out blessings if we are faithful in tithing.
Doesn't that sound nice?
When you accept the Bible as being true, and make a decision to follow God, you are supposed to be 100% His. That means your heart, mind, spirit, body, decisions, even your money- it belongs completely to God. He only asks you to give back 10%, you get to keep 90%! That is pretty generous of Him. I think many people struggle in obeying this command because it can be scary. Money pays the bills, buys the food, entertains us. God knew what He was doing when he made this requirement. He knew it would be hard and require a lot of trust. But we have to choose who or what we put our trust in-
Do we trust the money, ourselves, or an Almighty God?
This is a command many adults refuse to obey. I think it is important to learn this now. We want you guys to be blessed financially. Every time you make money, choose wisely how you will use it.
Are you going to steal what belongs to God?
11/13/07