Many people see themselves as on a fixed income, such as receiving a regular check in the mail from Social Security or a pension. No matter how you receive your income, think of your income as your seed bin, out of which you give to others.
Ephesians 4:28 says, “Use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.” While your income may appear fixed, you are not limited by this set amount. God has set up a heavenly account for you because you’re one of His covenant children and a joint heir with Christ Jesus. Your resources are not limited by an earthly account or a human administrator. If you are obedient to the leading of The LORD and to His WORD, then the windows of heaven are open to you.
Instead of focusing on the provisions (your income), seek the Provider (Your Heavenly Father). He promises to “supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, KJV). Everything that is in the earth belongs to Him, and His reach is not limited. So, your “fixed income” is not the last word, His Word is.
Starting today, consider thinking of your income differently. You may have a certain income that deposits into your bank account each month, but we encourage you to stop referring to it as “fixed.” God is your Source! Calling your income “fixed” immediately limits it in both in your mind and with your words. Instead, thank God that all your needs are met, and that you have more than enough to give to others. You can be a conduit of blessing for Him!
That brings us to the issue of tithing.
The short answer is: Yes, tithing (giving 10% ) is essential for the believer. It is first and foremost an act of obedience. Malachi 3:8-10 states God’s perspective on tithing clearly:
“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!
“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
Read that passage again. Print it out. Hang it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Tithing is so important for every believer. This passage reveals important spiritual truths, such as:
- The tithe belongs to God.
- Withholding the tithe is the same as cheating God.
- Tithing means bringing your tithes into the storehouse (i.e. your local church or wherever your spiritual nourishment comes from).
- Tithing opens the windows of heaven so that you can be blessed.
- God invites you to test Him in this.
When you tithe, you are partnering with God. You are recognizing that everything you have comes from Him. Again, He is your Source. He is your Provider (your Jehovah Jireh). Since everything good comes from Him (James 1:17), then being faithful with your tithe is simply giving back by faith what already belongs to Him.
God wants your tithe coming from a place of obedience, but also from a place of thankfulness and humility. We tithe with our money and our hearts. We tithe obediently, willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
When you begin practicing tithing regularly, you’ll understand God’s faithfulness to an even greater degree. When we give willingly and cheerfully, we are tithing with our resources, our hearts and our mouths. We are recognizing that the tithe is God’s portion, so we give this first-fruit back to Him with openness. In essence, we let our money move through our hands and back to Him as an act of worship.
Please keep us posted on how tithing affects you. We want to celebrate with you as you incorporate this principle and act of worship into your life. We are confident that you will see the benefit because God always shows Himself faithful. We believe you will reap a reward that will go beyond your “fixed income” and take you into a place of prosperity in many areas of life.
God bless you as you obey The LORD in this area.
Learn how to let God be your Source for all you need HERE.