Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you will reply,
“In what way, we plea?”
In tithes and offerings
You defraud and cheat,
So you will be cursed.
Your lives incomplete.
Your heart is not right.
Your nation will pay.
Sin spreads like wildfire.
All go their own way.
So, bring all the tithes
Into the storehouse
That there may be food
For you and your spouse.
Support God’s causes.
Give all that’s decreed.
Try Me and test Me.
I’ll supply your needs.
Windows of heaven
I will open up
And pour out blessings,
Overflowing your cup.
I’ll protect your crops
And vines of each field.
All will call you blessed.
Your lovely land revealed.
So, give to the Lord
Joyfully with love,
And you will receive
Good gifts from above.
(Based on Malachi 3:8-12)
I am reading my grandmother’s devotional book, “Daily Devotion,” published in 1923. On July 8th, the subject was “Thou shalt not steal,” the eighth commandment. As children we were taught not to steal and we were taught the difference between “mine” and “yours.” As adults, we believe we are obeying this commandment. We have learned to be honest and to respect what belongs to others. But, let’s look at it more closely. I have made a list of how we may be breaking this commandment.
- The one who fail to pay his debts or his credit card payments
- The one who gambles his money
- The employer who fails to pay a just wage.
- The employee who wastes time that he is paid for.
- The one who steals someone’s good name by gossiping.
- The one who is dishonest with God by robbing Him of tithes and offerings.
