Treasures In Heaven

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

Tithing Our Treasure: A Biblical Perspective on Giving

Heavenly Treasures vs. Earthly Wealth
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Many people question whether tithing is relevant today, often dismissing it as an Old Testament practice. However, this perspective overlooks the timeless principles of generosity and faith in God’s provision.

Tithing in Scripture: A Command and a Blessing
One of the most well-known verses on tithing comes from the last book of the Old Testament:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Yet, tithing predates the Mosaic Law. In Genesis, we see Abram offering a tithe long before the Old Testament covenant:

“Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:20)

This act of giving was not about obligation but about honoring God.

Excuses vs. Trusting God
Many argue that tithing and giving to the church or those in need is unnecessary. However, all of God’s teachings are for our benefit. If we focus solely on storing up wealth for ourselves, we miss opportunities to witness God’s faithfulness in our lives.

How much is enough to feel comfortable giving consistently? Truthfully, we never feel like we have enough, as the future is uncertain. That’s precisely why God calls us to tithe—it teaches reliance on Him rather than our own resources.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Commitment to God: Making Room for His Blessings
God desires to be our everything—our Comforter, Protector, Provider, Physician, and Savior. But to experience His provision, we must create space for Him to act. By tithing and giving, we open the door for His blessings.

The story of the widow of Zarephath illustrates this beautifully:

Despite having only enough flour and oil for one final meal, she trusted God and shared with the prophet Elijah. In return, God miraculously sustained her supplies. (1 Kings 17:7-16)

Modern-Day Miracles of Provision
A similar story occurred after World War II with Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman imprisoned in a concentration camp. She smuggled in a small vial of vitamins, initially meant for her ailing sister. As she shared with others in need, the vial never ran out—until a new supply arrived. This is how God works; He sustains us when we trust Him.

What Treasure Can You Share?
God seeks generous hearts to bless because He knows they will, in turn, bless others. An open hand always receives more. True faith requires giving God space to “show off” His provision.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Teaching the Next Generation to Give
We should teach our children about generosity through biblical stories like the widow and Elijah. A practical way is encouraging them to share a cookie or toy and then watch how God blesses them in return. When He does, acknowledge it and encourage them to praise Him!

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Tithing isn’t about giving out of abundance; it’s about trusting God with our firstfruits. When we do, He provides beyond measure. Will you trust Him today?

Food For Thought,

Lisa

Read Corrie Ten Boom’s story here