You get your paycheck and want to use the money wisely. You know that there are several things that each paycheck must be used for: utility bill, housing allowance, food, miscellaneous bills, and, of course, your tithe. Meeting these monthly demands on your income can be quite a challenge.
You may feel like you have to pay all other expenses first before you give to the Lord’s work. Time and time again, Christians learn the importance of giving to the Lord first. As you do this, Jesus will honor your money management so that your money will actually last longer than when you do not give to Him first.
A rich man did not approve of foreign missions. One Sunday at church, when the offering was being received, the usher approached the millionaire and held out the offering plate. The millionaire shook his head. “I never give to missions” he whispered. “Then take something out of the plate, Sir,” said the usher softly. “The money is for the heathen.” Ouch! Sigh! If this short story did not hit you so close to home, then you would chuckle or perhaps laugh. The truth is you can relate to this quip, as relating to your own life.
When Paul was talking to the Philippians about tithing and supporting missions, he said, “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs” (Phil. 4:15-16). Scripture clearly teaches that you are to give monetarily from your paycheck each week to be used by your church for their needs.
Your wise spending is not only a good thing to do, but it is commanded in Scripture. Pass the offering plate please!
