Robbing God

The accusation must have seemed surprising: God declared that His people had robbed Him. How? By cheating Him “of the tithes and offerings due to me”(NLT). The Hebrew words suggest they were covering up or even defrauding God.

Yes, we rob Him when we do not give Him the “tithes and offerings” that are due to Him. For the Believer, this is not optional but central to our relationship with Him. His command. For the tithe is part of the foundation of our relationship with Him. It is not a relic, but a vital part of the process of trusting Him. And it is one of His expectations.

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

The primary focus might have been on money. But the broader also is true: There are many ways we can rob God, and there are other kinds of “offerings.” For God looks at the totality of our being. Our resources, abilities, and time. In fact, anything can be an offering to Him.

God gave this general principle about offerings (Numbers 18:29). Clearly, He wants our best in everything we do. Thus, in effect, when we don’t give Him our best, we are cheating Him. We are robbing Him.

As you go about your life today, remember that God looks at everything about you: How you spend your time, your priorities, what you do with your resources, your relationships and finances. Seek to please Him in everything you do.