Two or so years ago, Doty and I were asked to give a tithing testimony before the offering was taken on a Sunday morning at our home church. I was honored to be asked to say good things about God.
Time was limited so I knew that the quality of my words were far more important than the quantity of my words.
I began by introducing our family and gave a brief glimpse as to our upbringing, both in christian homes that believed in giving to God and to our fellow man.
Here is a quote from my notes on that day.
“Let us share with you why we tithe. It is not so that we might gain material wealth from a minimal investment. But, it is so that we might pray with a humble confidence before God. And so that the work of the gospel can go forward through our lives.
We hear so much from many pulpits regarding the “prosperity gospel”. Here is our interpretation of the prosperity gospel as taught in the Bible.
It is not about our personal financial gain. But rather it is:
1) So that our souls might prosper.
2) So that we might be rich in faith.
3) So that the return on our investment is measured
in lives not dollars.
4) So that I can lift up my family before God at an
altar.
5) So that I can call out the names of my wife and
children and plead the blood of Christ over their
lives.
6) And most importantly, so that the cause of Christ
can advance against the soon coming persecution
of the christian faith.
We should not take hold of possessions because of the Gospel, but, rather we should take hold of the Gospel so that others might possess it.
We want to be able to say as it is written in Psalm 66:16.
“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.” End of quote.
It was true on that day. It is true on this day.
JHH
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