Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Christian Stewardship
Malachi 3: 6-10 
“Return to me and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
In the Bible passage of the day, we see God charging Israel that they have not kept His commandments and have in fact turned away from them. He continues to exhort Israel, through the prophet Malachi, to return to Him. And He singles out an issue in which He wants them obey His teachings – ‘To Tithe’.
 
The term ‘tithe’ literally means one-tenth. The Israelites were required to give a portion (one-tenth) of their crops/income to the temple and for the sustenance of the priestly tribe of Levi. 

Fast forward to the 21st century, and . . . as a Christian, the term ‘tithing’ would be a familiar albeit a confusing one. We know that we are saved by grace and are no longer under the rule of Moses hence we don’t give importance to this term. But the principle of this concept of ‘tithing’ is still relevant as it was 2000 years ago.
We are called to be stewards of the resources that God has placed in our care. And financial resource is of particular importance due to the purchasing power that it has. The way and manner we spend our finances say a lot about the priorities in our lives. In many parts of the bible, God made it clear (Isaiah 1:11, Psalms 50:9, Hosea 6:6 etc.). He doesn’t require your sacrifices or your 10/50 percent. He is not requiring you to give so that it will benefit Him. He requires you to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) so that you may see Him above your hoarded resources. And when you do not give unto others or His ministry that He has placed in your life, He responds with the same message that HE gave Malachi, “Why are you robbing me?” If only we could see how our actions are viewed by God. Maybe we would be more careful in the things that we do! May we who profess to be Christians know that the One who provides for us, needs us to reflect Him generously in all the areas of our lives.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us as for the times we don’t realize and reflect your generosity that you expect from us. Mold and help us to be more like you.
 
Thought for the day
Biblical Stewardship is a life-style with the Cross at its center – Ronald Petry

Noel George

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