There are principles of financial success that we need to follow as believers. These principles include tithing, living within your means, using debt wisely, investing, budgeting, seeking wise counsel, avoiding envy, and being generous. Developing a plan and sticking to it is essential for financial success. It is imperative to remember to be patient and trust in God's provision.
Our scriptural reading shall be from 3 John 1:2 where the Bible records, “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.”
The Principle of success: Tithing
This is a foundational principle that acknowledges God's ownership of everything. He is the source of everything. We are stewards of what we have. That is why when one leaves this earth he departs just as he came. Finances and properties never leave the earth. Some usually excuse it as due to the law saying we are now under grace. They forget that it started before the law during Abraham's time, and was later administered and established under the law. So God commands us to bring it into the storehouse.
Malachi 3:8-12
8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ [19†]In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the [21†]storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And [23†]pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke [24†]the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts;
12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be [25†]a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.
It is noted that it is not only the tithe issue but there are offerings as well. But today we shall focus on the tithe.
What is a tithe?
A tithe is a tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax, especially for the support of a religious organization. It is a form of offering that is observed by many different religions, and is often seen as a way to demonstrate faith and gratitude.
Why bring tithes?
God has commanded tithes. So, we need to obey Him. The interesting thing is that it is also for our benefit. Tithes help in the following ways:
1) Tithes help us trust God with our finances.
2) They help us develop a generous heart.
3) It further supports the work of the church.
Through the tithes, God ensured the following:
1) Open heaven's windows
We note that God's blessings flow as a result of the tithe and offerings. Malachi 3:10-11 says that those who tithe will receive blessings from the Lord that are greater than what they have given. God will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that is too great to contain. For instance, when we tithe, God promises that we will be blessed with financial security (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)
2) God rebukes the devourer for you
Believers have an enemy that does not want them to succeed. God promises protection from harm (Psalm 91:16). He will rebuke the devourer for the believer that places their trust in Him. God is a shield and protector and will not allow the enemy to steal from us. He promises to provide for us abundantly and protect us from harm.
For instance, when David faced off against Goliath, he was able to do so with confidence because he knew that God had his back and was protecting him.