- “Tenth of all,” said Abraham (Genesis 14:20).
- “I will give a tenth,” vowed Jacob (Genesis 28:20-22).
- “Our gold, silver, and jewelry,” said the children of Israel when they were about to build (Exodus 35).
- “A tenth or more,” said the devout Jew under an inferior covenant (Leviticus 27:30-33).
- “According to ability,” says the Old and New Testament (Deuteronomy 16:17; I Corinthians 16:1-2).
- “We do not owe Him anything,” said the apostate Jews. So they robbed Him―robbed Him by withholding their gifts (Malachi 3:8-9).
- “A tenth of all,” said the heathen to his false god.
- “All that I have,” said the poor widow (Mark 12).
- “Your body and all that pertains to it,” said the inspired apostle (Romans 12:1).
- “Beyond our power, or ability,” said the Christians in Macedonia (II Corinthians 8:9).
- “One tenth of my income,” says the Roman Catholic, the Mormon, the Seventh Day Adventist and others.
- What is your answer?
“As much as I spend for pleasure,” says one. He places the god of pleasure on equality with the only true and living God.
“What I do not need,” says one. He does not have the spirit of God, the great example.
“Whatever I find in my pocket when the plate is passed,” says one who ignores the divine law of purpose (2 Cor. 9:7).
“What I have, that I cheerfully give,” says the true Christian (Acts 3).
The Lord loves a cheerful giver. Upon him showers of blessings descend. Jesus, our great example, gave His life!
rank L. Cox