The Power of Tithing: A Test of Faith and Trust

Tithing is a topic often discussed in churches, but do you know what it really means and why it's so important? Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of your income to the church. It’s not just about giving money—it’s a way to show trust in God and align with biblical teachings. Pastor Robert Morris, in his sermon "What Test? The Importance of The Tithe", explains how tithing is both a spiritual test and a way to receive God’s blessings. Let’s dive into why tithing matters and how it can change your life.

What Is Tithing?

Tithing comes from the Bible and means giving one-tenth of your earnings to God. In simple terms, if you make $100, tithing means you give $10 to the church. Pastor Robert Morris points to Malachi 3:10, where God says, “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.”

So, tithing is not only about giving; it’s a test of faith. God is asking, "Do you trust me with your finances?" When you give away a part of your income, you show that you trust God will provide for you. It’s a way to say, "God, you’re in control of my life, including my money."

Why Is Tithing Important?

According to Pastor Morris, tithing is a two-way test. It tests both the person who gives and God’s promise to bless those who tithe. Here are a few reasons why it’s important:

1. It Shows Trust: When you tithe, you're showing that you trust God will take care of your needs. It's easy to rely on money for security, but tithing teaches you to rely on God instead.

2. It Unlocks Blessings: Many people who tithe have stories of how their lives were blessed afterward. Pastor Morris shares that tithing opens "the windows of heaven" and brings blessings, not just financially, but in every part of life—like relationships and personal growth.

3. It Breaks the Love of Money: Tithing helps you realize that money isn't everything. By giving a portion of your earnings, you're showing that your relationship with God is more important than your financial gains.

4. It’s a Spiritual Discipline: Just like praying or reading the Bible, tithing is a spiritual habit. It keeps you focused on God’s will and reminds you that everything you have comes from Him.

What Happens When You Don’t Tithe?

Pastor Morris makes an interesting observation: people who don’t tithe often say, “I can’t afford to tithe,” while those who do tithe say, “I’m so blessed!” In other words, the more you give, the more you feel blessed. Morris emphasizes that you’ll never feel like you can afford to tithe until you start doing it. It’s a step of faith, but one that can transform your financial and spiritual life.

The Blessings of Tithing

Tithing isn’t just about having more money in your bank account. Pastor Morris shares personal stories of people who tithed and saw blessings in all areas of their lives. One story he shares is of a woman who felt led to give $120 instead of her regular tithe of $100. After stepping out in faith, she received an unexpected $120 from a generous stranger. This story shows that God provides in amazing ways when we trust Him.

Morris also highlights that tithing goes beyond just money—it’s about having a blessed life. Tithing brings peace, joy, and a sense of fulfillment, far more than just financial gain. When you put God first, every area of your life is touched by His blessings.

How to Start Tithing

If you’ve never tithed before, it might seem like a big step. But you can start small! Here’s a simple guide:

1. Make a Plan: Decide to give 10% of your income. It might be tough at first, but trust that God will provide.

2. Start Tithing Regularly: Give consistently, whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

3. Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you be faithful in tithing and trust Him to meet your needs.

4. Watch for Blessings: Keep an open heart and mind to see how God blesses you, not just financially but in every area of your life.

Tithing is much more than giving money; it’s about trusting God and showing faith. As Pastor Morris teaches, tithing is a test that leads to blessings in ways you may never expect. It might feel like a big step, but the rewards—both spiritually and financially—are worth it. So, next time you think about tithing, remember it’s not about losing money; it’s about gaining a blessed life.