Money
Benchmark

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:23-24

Key Verse: Malachi 3:10

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Benchmarks, according to Webster, are standards by which “others may be measured or judged… a point of reference from which measurements may be made.” For example, if I said that you should be generous, you would agree but not really know exactly what level of giving would be considered generous. I need to give you a benchmark which would help you judge generosity! Maybe I would point out another person’s gift and call that generous. If I did, that would be your benchmark for generosity!

If the Bible never gave us a benchmark for giving to God, no one would really know whether they were giving enough or not! The Bible does give us a benchmark. We call it “tithe” or ten percent. Many have tried to use this benchmark as a legalistic rule even though the New Testament doesn’t teach it that way, but the tithe is still a good benchmark for our giving! Many Christ followers give much more than the basic 10% of their income! When anyone goes beyond this basic benchmark, they can know that they are being generous with God’s Kingdom. They can judge that by the benchmark of tithe!

If you believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, then today’s scripture is a meaningful guide to your giving to God! In my opinion, I never want to take a chance, no matter how small, of robbing God! God is the owner, we are the managers. Let’s manage according to His principles!

Father, I praise you for your generosity with me. I am blessed. Remind me if I ever get stingy with you or your Kingdom purposes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.