Two important practices of worship are tithing and offering. A tithe is understood as 1/10^th of the first of one’s “fruits” of labor which are dedicated to God out of thanks for all that God has given and out of respect for God as being the top priority of our lives. An offering is usually a special gift for a special purpose above and beyond a tithe. In bible times, most cultures were agricultural, therefore it was common to present the first 1/10^th of one’s fruits, vegetables, and livestock. These items were used to support the livelihood of the priests who devoted their lives to leading the people in worship and teaching about life with God. They were also used to keep up the beauty and ministry of the worship center, the Temple. Today, of course, we earn money. A tithe is considered 1/10^th of our income.  It is used to support the ministries of the local church here at Lakeside. It is also used to support other ministries across the world. A tithe is the biblical standard of giving to God as an act of worship.

     Some people who do not have a habit of giving to charity or to the church find this a challenging act of worship. Some struggle just to have a place to live or food to eat for their families. To them, a tithe is difficult to come up with. In those instances, I try to remind people of a few important things:

 

1.      Our salvation and acceptance from God is not dependant on our tithing or offering. We are saved by the grace of Jesus shown us on the cross and the empty tomb. 

2.      A tithe is the biblical standard to work up toward. The ultimate goal is to honor God with our whole lives and to be cheerful givers to his cause. Begin giving systematically or proportionally, then work your way up toward the tithe. 

3.      Tithes and offerings are given out of our thankfulness to God for all he has done for us. 

 

The key thing is to honor and worship God with your very best because He has given you and I all things. The great benefits to tithing come from how it deepens our relationship to God and from how we see that God can use the money earned through our work to make a difference in people’s lives and in His eternal Kingdom!

    

Prayer:

     Daily you are with me, divine lover, calling me to draw close to you to be loved by you. Heighten my awareness of your presence with me at home, at work, at play, and in distress. Teach me to put you in first place above all else. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit I pray, Amen.

   

• Fill out the Estimate of Giving Card online and learn about Electronic Funds Transfer