While visiting our family doctor for our yearly exams, the subject turned to eating out. Our physician said, “The price of food in restaurants continues to rise as does the suggested tips. Isn’t it interesting that some folk have no problem giving the server a 25% tip yet struggle with a 10% tithe.”
Before you stop reading, this is not a blog post on tithing, but he sure brings up a valid thought for consideration.
Truth is, we do not own anything. EVERYTHING comes from God and belongs to God.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1)
He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)
One of the most freeing principles of life is to live with the understanding that I own nothing and God owns everything. He perfectly superintends what He owns and supplies exactly what I need. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17).
Trouble, worry, fear, and shuffling comes when I misuse what God has given me to steward, or I go after things He never intended for me to have. Now I’m in a position where things own me instead of living free to worship the Giver of all good gifts.
As I move toward 65 years of life on earth, things are not as important to me as they once were. As a matter of fact, I’m in a quandary. I have way yonder too much stuff! Couple that with the fact that I am a sentimentalist, and it’s hard to get rid of things even though Ecclesiastes 3:6 says, there’s a time to keep and a time to throw away.
As I consider it all, the following comes to mind:
1. Live with an eternal perspective.
2. Use and steward what God gives to glorify Him and as a platform for the gospel.
3. Live with the constant understanding I own nothing; God owns it all.
4. Since God owns everything, give it all back to Him . . . not just 10%; that includes us.
5. Be a giver of yourself and things to others, not a hoarder.
So think about your recent tip at the restaurant the next time the offering plate passes or the call comes for VBS workers or your spouse needs some help or your children want your attention. Give your all in Christ Who gave His all for you!!
Be a 100%er not just a 10%er!!!
From A Pastor's Heart 