Set Aside the Tithe

Scripture: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:2-3

Observation: Paul gives the church instructions on the tithe. It is a sum of money set aside on the first day of the week. Some thoughts about that:

-- The money is set aside regularly - every week.
-- The sum is set aside in advance - the first day of the week, before it is truly earned.
-- The money is physically set aside - it isn't just planned in ones mind or budgeted, but actually put away, reserved for later.

Application: It is interesting to understand which laws of the old testament are laws that applied to Israel under the old covenant, and which are laws that are purely "of God" ... effectively part of any right relationship with God. The tithe of the first fruits is clearly the latter. It is this way that I can actively demonstrate so many elements of a right relationship with God:

-- Trust - I know God will care for me and I don't really need the money.
-- Stewardship - I understand he has blessed me and this belongs to him anyway.
-- Obedience - I comply with God's clear instructions.
-- Love - In this transaction we both demonstrate we would never withhold from each other.
-- Presence - We interact regularly and voluntarily.

I have learned this lesson gladly. The more I give to God, the more I have. It is one of the most amazing miracles I can experience regularly, and I get to experience it as a direct result of my actions.

Prayer: Lord, thank you again for the blessing and provision in my life. You have given us far too much - we have abundance beyond our hopes and dreams. I did not earn this ... you chose to provide it to me out of your love. Please forgive me for the times I fail to earn your love, the times I fail to trust in you, the times I sin and ignore you. But mostly thank you for showing me that you love me even though I could never be good enough to be lovable by you. Your provision is great! I gladly return what is your to you.