Sunday, December 7, 2014

The Law of Tithing

Most of the principles and commandments as found in the scriptures do not involve numbers. It is often more about quality than quantity. Examples include love for God, love for fellowmen, keeping the Sabbath day holy, honoring your father and your mother, and even "be ye therefore perfect." ( Matt. 5:48) Being perfect in living these principles is difficult, but of course it is possible with God's help.

One of the commandments taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the law of tithing. I believe in donating ten percent of my income to the Church, and that money is then used to support the construction of church buildings, as well as other worthwhile causes such as family history and education. I am grateful for the law of tithing. Because there is a number involved (10% of income), it is one of the few commandments that I can easily live perfectly right now. Whenever I have lived this commandment, I have also enjoyed the blessings: "...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) I have always had enough resources to provide for my needs, and I have been blessed in many other small ways as I continue to seek God's will.

I am aware that not everyone who may read this blog believes exactly as I do, and that's okay. My point is that in my many efforts to live according to correct principles as I understand them, it is easy for me to recognize where I fall short. Yet, poor as I am in resources and in spirit, I am encouraged by the fact that I can live at least one of God's commandments with perfect exactness right now.

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