The Wedding of All Weddings
Formal Attire Required – Part 6

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 6:18

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

How much should I give away to the causes of God’s Kingdom? This is the question that every believer soon comes face to face with. The only general principle that the Bible gives is mentioned by Jesus and started by God as He formed a people to follow Him in the Old Testament. That principle is called tithing, and the word literally means 10%. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus told the Pharisees this: “…you should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” He was scolding the Pharisees for neglecting “justice, mercy, and faith.” In other words, giving money doesn’t make up for our lacking in other important areas of our Christian walk. However, the point is made, “you should tithe.” I do not believe that it is a “rule” that we must follow, but rather a guideline for us believers in our giving.

In the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, God gave the Prophet Malachi a promise that he was to give to the people of God: “Bring all your tithes into the storehouse…if you do…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!” (Malachi 3:10-12). Part of our “formal attire” that we are to wear (Matthew 22) is giving our tithes and offerings to the “storehouse.” The storehouse was the place where God’s people worshipped. The principle is that God’s people should bring the money together to accomplish more for God’s Kingdom than they could do individually. If you are looking for a guideline for giving to God’s causes, I would suggest this is a good goal and it comes with God’s promise to bless you beyond your imagination. God even extends the offer to “test Him” or “try it.” Is your proper “attire” in place in your life?

Father, I will be generous toward your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.