The BookWhat if you knew for sure that whatever money you invest will give you a positive return every single time, would you invest right now?

Have you ever heard of tithing? This means that you give one tenth of your gross income to the church of your preference. Why this works? Perhaps because it is mentioned in the bible?

From experience I can say that the best way to make money is to give money. Trust me I have already put this to the test. Have you ever read the book The Secret?

When I was left to fend for myself as a single mother with a 13 and a 16 year old with a $400 car payment and $800 in rent, a $26,000 a year income and no child support I knew I had to turn to the higher power to give me strength and guidance. I was told at an all-denominational church that if I give money to God he would double it. I decided to put on my faith cap and try it out. Well it was true. It was the only way and somehow my bills were always paid, I did not need money for food, had for Christmas and till this day my sons who are now men have said that they never felt like we were lacking anything. Many blessings came our way and about 6 months after I was by myself I was offered a job that paid twice the salary. I had the courage to move 1300 miles and I packed all of our stuff, rented the biggest U-Haul truck and hitched my Toyota Corolla and off we went. It took a leap of faith that this was God’s plan and was going to work.

Later I remarried to a well off man, but not a believer, I felt that I no longer needed to tithe. I forgot about my principles and that was a big mistake. Although our business was growing by putting in a lot of work hours, including Saturday’s and many evenings I didn’t have peace.  I couldn’t enjoy what we had because we always worked. Even when we took a trip to Europe we were checking emails to reply to customers and it did not feel like a vacation. At times the phone would ring in the middle of the night because a customer was calling from a different time zone and we had to answer it. The drive was to make more money so that we could retire early. There was no balance in our lives. It was work, work, work.

However I always kept my faith to myself. I never expressed myself. I was happier when I had less money but enough to live and enjoy life. After five years I couldn’t take it anymore. So I decided to walk away from the marriage and by then I was an empty nester.

A lot happened after that but needless to say that I was very happy to be on my own.  The amazing part of this is that God blesses you through the people you meet. I remarried to a wonderful loving man and have been together for the past 4 years and we are still in love and comprehend each other. We share the same goals and faith. We pray every morning and give thanks for every meal we eat. Since we decided to honor God we have been blessed through so many different avenues. Money just comes our way even though we have obligations we have extra money to buy a house, vacation and dine out on an occasional basis. We prefer to cook together and enjoy our own gourmet food.

Typically, you need to work overtime or run a home business before you earn a single extra dollar. However, after tithing we noticed that we do not have to work hard to get an account that will generate extra commission. Customers that were on the fence just call and request the service. I could go on and on. I feel richly blessed to know the truth. For it is true that “The Truth Shall Set Your Free”.

The first time a tithe is referred to in Scripture is in Genesis 14:18-20, where we read:

You’ll note that Abram gave a tithe to Melchizidek because Melchizidek (and God had) blessed Abram (Genesis 14). This could easily take us off course into the realm of give-to-get theology, however, it should be readily apparent that this giving was done as a matter of thanks in response to blessing already received, not in order to receive blessing. Jacob also said he would give a tithe to the Lord in response to what the Lord had done (would do) for him (Genesis 28).

Paul writes some instruction regarding Christian giving in 1 Corinthians 9:14, where he states that, “…the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” In other words, preachers should be paid to preach. Where does this money come from? In Galatians Paul tells us, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6 – this can be better understood from another translation: “And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches” (NASB). We see this same concept again in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 where Paul writes, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” Therefore, we should be giving to support those who teach us faithfully.

In light of all of the evidence presented, tithing is not a principle which Christians are subject to, but should be given out of the willingness of our heart. Also in thanksgiving to and reverence for God, both for who He is and for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Giving is done in response to the good teachings which Christians receive, to support those who teach, and to support saints in need. By following these teachings, and the examples set by Christians, we may always give willingly and joyfully, and please God with what we have and bring to offer.

I would love for you to share your experiences. If you have never tithed, go ahead and try it. It will totally change your life.