Taxing, Tipping, or Tithing - Day 3: The Greatest Gain Is More God

"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." - Genesis 15:1

We live in a culture that treats giving as an investment. You give, then you wait for the return. And while God does bless generosity, the primary purpose of tithing is not to unlock more stuff. It is to unlock more of God.

Notice what happened in Genesis 15. Abram had just given away a tenth of everything. He had also refused to keep any of the war spoils the king of Sodom offered him. From a worldly perspective, he walked away twice with nothing. And yet God appears to him and says: I am your reward.

Not: I will give you a reward. Not: your reward is coming. But: I AM your reward. God himself - his presence, his closeness, his covenant - is what Abram gains through faithful giving. That is the greatest return on any investment ever made.

If you tithe primarily to get something back, you will always feel like it is not working. But if you tithe to draw near to God, to declare his lordship, to express your trust - you will find that the reward is richer than anything money could buy.

Be honest: do you tithe primarily because of what you expect to receive in return? What does it mean to make God himself your reward?

God Most High, forgive me when I treat You like a vending machine. You are not a means to an end - You ARE the end. Teach me to treasure You more than anything You could ever give me. Amen.

In His grace,

The Brook Church Miami