Financial Stewardship and Kingdom Investment • ~10 min read
Welcome, dear friends, to another vital study in our series, "Faith and Enterprise." Today, we delve into a truth that profoundly impacts our financial stewardship and our relationship with God: the recognition that a portion of our earnings ultimately belongs to Him. In a world that often encourages us to claim every penny as our own, the Bible invites us to a higher perspective—one that fosters trust, obedience, and incredible blessings. Let's open our hearts and Bibles as we explore God's claim on our finances.
Before we discuss giving, it's essential to establish a foundational truth: God is the owner of everything. This perspective transforms our understanding of our role as stewards. We are not owners, but managers of what He has entrusted to us.
The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psalm 24:1
This verse reminds us that everything we see, including our businesses, our talents, and our earnings, originates from God. When we acknowledge Him as the ultimate proprietor, returning a portion becomes a natural act of worship and recognition, not merely a donation.
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
1 Chronicles 29:14
King David's prayer beautifully articulates this truth. Our giving is simply returning to God what was His to begin with, a principle that underpins our next section.
The prophet Malachi presents a stark and direct challenge to God's people regarding their financial faithfulness. He reveals that withholding what belongs to God is nothing less than "robbing" Him.
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8
This is a powerful question. It's easy to imagine robbing a person or a bank, but to rob God? Yet, the Bible makes it clear that when we withhold the tithe—which is ten percent of our income—and offerings, we are indeed robbing Him. The tithe is not an arbitrary tax; it is declared as holy to the Lord:
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.
Leviticus 27:30
The consequences of this unfaithfulness are also clearly stated:
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Malachi 3:9
But God, in His infinite grace, doesn't leave His people in a state of condemnation. He extends an incredible invitation, coupled with a promise:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3:10
This verse is a cornerstone of financial stewardship. God invites us to "prove" Him, to test His faithfulness. The "storehouse" refers to the place where tithes are collected to support the ministry and work of the church. When we faithfully return the tithe and give offerings, we are not only showing obedience but also demonstrating our trust in God's ability to provide. And His promise is extravagant: blessings so abundant there won't be room to receive them!
The principle of giving God the "firstfruits" is another powerful demonstration of trust and honor. It means giving Him the best, and giving it first, before we spend on ourselves.
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Proverbs 3:9
To honor God with our "substance" and "firstfruits" means to prioritize Him in our financial decisions. It's about setting aside His portion right at the beginning, from the gross income of our business or personal earnings, rather than what's left over after all our expenses. This act reflects a deep trust that God will take care of the remaining 90% even better than we could.
This instruction to give the firstfruits was a long-standing practice for God's people:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Deuteronomy 14:22
When we faithfully apply this principle, there's a beautiful promise that follows:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Proverbs 3:10
This isn't just about material prosperity, though that can certainly be part of it. It speaks to a life of contentment, security, and the assurance that God is actively involved in sustaining us and our endeavors. It's a testament to His faithfulness when we are faithful to Him.
Returning God's portion through tithes and offerings is an act of obedience rooted in love and trust. It's a tangible way we acknowledge His sovereignty and His provision in our lives and businesses. The blessings promised in Malachi and Proverbs are not just financial; they encompass peace of mind, freedom from anxiety, and the joy of participating in God's work.
When we put God first in our finances, we are aligning our priorities with His. We are demonstrating that we believe His promise to care for us:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
This principle applies directly to our business earnings and personal finances. By recognizing God's claim and faithfully returning what is His, we are seeking His kingdom first, and trusting that He will provide for all our needs.
Today, we've been reminded that our earnings are not solely our own, but God, as the ultimate owner, has a rightful claim on a portion of them. Returning tithes and offerings is not merely an obligation but a profound act of worship, obedience, and trust. Through the challenging words of Malachi and the wisdom of Proverbs, we learn that withholding God's portion is "robbing" Him, while faithfully returning our "firstfruits" honors Him and unlocks His abundant blessings. As entrepreneurs and individuals, let us embrace this divine principle, demonstrating our unwavering faith in God's provision and sovereignty.