I was listening to the radio, which doesn’t happen too often, and the host was talking about parking in New York City. She continued to share about one parking spot that was worth and sold for $1,000,000. Excuse me, what? That much money for ONE parking spot? I understand that it could be stressful trying to park there, but what else could this person have spent that money on?
1 Peter 4:7-11
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Let’s look at the idea of stewardship and using our resources wisely. I never realized how much our society ran on money until I was at the age when I got a job. I was blessed as a child who had parents who paid for everything that was needed. As I got older and started to work for the things in my life, I learned to manage my income. Along with managing the money, I learned that tithing is essential. Nothing we have is ours. Our lives, possessions, relationships, etc… are gifts from God. That’s why it is important to give what we have back to God; it is at that point we recognize and accept that all we have is of the Lord.
Knowing what we know about our resources, it is important to be faithful with what we’ve been given. We must use what we have wisely. Here’s an example from my life: I’ve wanted an iPad for a while now. I know it’s expensive and I would have to do some saving to get it. I also have a car payment. So, when my paycheck comes in every other week, I have to evaluate what I’ve been given, monetarily, and see if I have the funds to purchase the iPad. But before any of the bills get paid, I make sure to tithe. I know that it is because of God that I have the job that I do; and I’m so grateful. That is why I give my ten percent back to the Lord. It’s my way of saying “thank you” for the blessings God has been pouring down on my life. We see examples of giving ten percent back in Genesis with Abraham (Genesis 14). This isn’t a new concept.
Because we live in a society driven by money, we must always remain faithful to God. I encourage those of you who aren’t tithing to start and pray through it. Not only do we give to God what is His, but we can see that He blesses what we give back to Him. Look at what WestGate Church did with 50/50 Impact over the last couple of years: because they gave away fifty percent of what was tithed to their church, they have been building dormitories and schools in Haiti, a sport center for the youth in the Philippines and built wells in many different countries. How incredible is that? Because WestGate has been faithful to what was given to them, God blessed that more than the congregation could have expected. I encourage you to spend your money wisely, save and tithe. It’s exciting to see what God can do when we are faithful to Him.
Author: Nicole Presley