When we hear about "tithing" it is usually in the context of giving a portion of our income, our money, back to God. We often hear references to the the Old Testament verses that relate a full 10% is the minimum amount of our income to devote to tithing. Paul wrote in the New Testament that we are to set aside a portion of our income to support the church. Clearly, almost every Christian would agree that providing part of our financial blessings to ministry is Biblical and a blessing to us.
But what about our time? I would venture to state that God wants our time more than he has use for our money. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul tells us, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." What was that Paul? How much time? The answer is that God wants ALL of our time.
Some may say that if God wants to be in on ALL of our time, that seems just too much. After all, God created us to perform tasks in our lives. Watch over the earth. Raise our families. So we can't just stand around "worshipping" all the time, right? I believe that God wants us to live full and happy lives doing meaningful things. Enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy your family and friends. Support yourself and family with your work. Even Paul was a tent maker.
I have a verse taped to the shelf at my desk which reads,"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,...It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Col. 3:23-24). This tells us exactly what and how much time you should be giving to the Lord. "Whatever you do," it says. How much more plain can this be stated? God wants to be with us always! In the good and bad. He won't shy away. Whether we're performing boring yard work, or on an exciting fishing trip; or even playing a video game, we are told to do it as for the Lord.
Does this mean we are free to engage in sinful behavior so long as we fool ourselves it is done for the Lord? I don't think even the best doubters would believe that. I think what it means is that we all need to evaluate our daily lives, and make our plans and lives according to what brings glory to God and what doesn't. The Bible tells us exactly how to keep our lives on track by going to God in prayer on a regular basis. In John 14:13-14, Jesus states that we are to pray for "anything" in Jesus' name and He will do it. There is nothing too big for God.
Make time for God to be with you today and every day. He wants to be with you. He wants you to be with Him now and always. Give generously to God with your time.
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Good blog post, I would like to respond.
ReplyDelete1 point: Tithing should be done in both money and deed. Both are taught by scripture. In my Church we are very mission driven, and a lot of the money from tithing goes to mission. And with out workers our Church would not be as strong. Both forms of giving are again biblical. So I would not put one above the other, I would place both as equals.
2 point: You are right on with always examining ourselves, making sure we are not in sin. No doubt there.
3 point: I have gone down the road of legalism and up the road of grace. Thanks for point out that you can enjoy life with out being in sin. Sometimes I forget that. I get caught up in doctrine and loose sight of the life God gave. Wish finding a balance was easy. I feel at times I become Martin Luther, going crazy in the pursuit of being rightenoess before God, yet knowing I am saved in grace and that means. The Christian life, is hard when you can't reach the perfection you want for your King.
Thanks for the wonderful post.
Sonny