Living In The Zone

Read

Malachi 3:10 "’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.’"

Think

"Tithing is bringing back to God what is already his. We set it aside first because it already belongs to him." – Pastor Ed Young

Did you know that regular stretching can increase flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce stress? While it might feel uncomfortable at first, the benefits are well worth the effort. Similarly, tithing—returning the first 10% of our income to God—can stretch us beyond our comfort zones. Yet, this act of faith acknowledges God's ownership and invites his blessings into our lives.

In Malachi 3:10, God challenges us: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. Test me in this, 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." This is the only instance when God invites us to test him, promising abundant blessings in response to our obedience.

C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare." Tithing challenges our natural inclination to hold tightly to our resources, fostering a spirit of generosity and trust in God's provision.

Consider this: Would you prefer to navigate life with 100% of your resources under your control, or with 90% under God's blessing? When we tithe, we acknowledge that all we have belongs to God and demonstrate our trust in his provision.

Just as stretching enhances physical well-being, tithing enriches our spiritual health. It aligns our hearts with God's purposes, deepens our faith, and opens us to his abundant blessings.

Apply

Today, if you aren’t already bringing the tithe, take a step of faith. Return to God what is already his; begin tithing. Start with 10% of your income and see what God will do with the 90%.

Pray

Father, thank you for entrusting me with all that I have and for reminding me that everything I own is already yours. Help me to trust you fully by giving back the first and best of what you’ve given me, even when it feels like a stretch. Teach me to live in faith, trusting in your provision, and use what I give to glorify you and bless others. May my obedience draw me closer to you and deepen my reliance on your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.