Robbing God

The accusation seemed surprising. Even shocking. God was declaring that His people had robbed Him by cheating Him “of the tithes and offerings due to me” (NLT). The immediate assumption is that He probably was talking about money. But there are many ways we can rob God.

Yes, we rob Him when we do not give Him our “tithes and offerings.” For the Believer, this is not optional, but part of the foundation of our relationship with Him.

Tithing is how we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from Him. Tithing keeps our focus on Him and demonstrates that we know He can and will supply all our needs. It establishes and maintains our own priorities, and it demonstrates that we first look to Him. It unlocks the door to an overflow of His blessings.

But there are other kinds of “offerings.” God looks at the totality of our being, such as our resources, our abilities, and our time. In fact, everything in our lives can be an offering to Him.

God gave this general principle about offerings: “Out of all your gifts you shall present every offering due to the LORD, from all the best of them, the sacred part from them” (Numbers 18:29). Clearly, God wants our best, in everything we do for Him and in every situation.

In effect, when we don’t give Him our best, we are cheating and stealing from Him.

Today, ponder these principles as you go about your life. Remember that God looks at everything you do. How you spend your time. Your commitments and priorities. Your personal lives and activities at work. Your attitudes and actions. Your relationships and finances.

Truly, make Him the Lord of all. Seek to please Him. And always give Him your best.