And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own. Deuteronomy 14:27
After telling the Israelites to set aside a tenth of all the produce they grow, Moses tells the people not to neglect the Levites. The setting aside of the tenth was their way of paying tithe. The Levites were the leaders who ran the tabernacle in the wilderness, and later the temple in Israel. These men did not have a regular job on the side to provide for themselves. All their needs were met through the tithes and other offerings.
Today there are no more Levites in a temple or tabernacle. These people are now the ministers or pastors and other full-time leaders in the church. Many of these men and women do not have a full-time job outside of the ministry. They have dedicated their life to the work inside the church.
People look at many of these ministers and expect them to completely live on faith in God. They are often expected to live on very little or no money. Yet, it is through the offerings and tithes of the people who God meets the needs of these ministers.
God requires tithes to be paid. Offerings are an option for people. They are above and beyond the required tithes. These are what help build the minister and church beyond just the little that they are.
If every believer gave their tithe faithfully, the needs of the church would be met. If every believer gave offerings above those tithes, the needs of the ministers and others would be met.
God uses you to meet the needs of the church and its leaders. When you hold back any part of your tithe or offerings, you hold God back from meeting a need.
Just as you want your needs met, you should also want the needs of others in the church met.
How are you doing at giving God your tithe?
How are you doing at giving God offerings above the tithe?
Are neglecting the ministers and church, or are you supporting them?
I pray today that God will help you to pay your tithe; that God will lay it on your heart to give offerings; that God will use you to meet the needs of ministers; and that as you help others, you will see God meet your own needs.
Very graciously said, Tom. God bless you.
Thank you.