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Articles
Multiplied by Ten
Contrary to what many religious groups teach, God does not bind the tithe system (the giving of 10%) on those of us under the new covenant like He did on those under the old covenant (When you consider all their sacrifices and such, they actually gave much more than 10%.). He simply instructs us to give cheerfully and liberally of what we have prospered (2 Cor 9:6-13; 1 Cor 16:2). Let us suppose for a moment that we are still under a tithe system, and our system works in such a way that God multiplies by ten everything we give to Him.
Contribution – If God took the weekly (or would it be better described as weakly?) contribution of each of us and multiplied it by ten, in what kind of financial condition would we find ourselves? Would we have plenty money left to pay the bills with money to spare, or would we have to drastically change our lifestyle? Remember, in relation to giving God says that we reap according to what we sow (2 Cor 9:6).
Time – If God took the time we spend actively serving Him and multiplied it by ten, would our week suddenly become longer or shorter? Would we have plenty time for work and play, or would we not even have enough time to sleep? Remember, we are told to “redeem the time” (Eph 5:15).
Blessings – What if God multiplied by ten the use of our blessings according to how often we used them for Him? Would we have to resort to another form of transportation if He only allowed us to use our automobiles ten times for every one time we used them in His service? If our phone use worked the same way, how many calls could we make each month? What would happen to our food supply and wardrobe if God multiplied them by ten each time we shared them with those in need (Matt 25:31-46)? Remember, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil 2:3).
Talents – God has given each of us a certain amount of ability. What if He multiplied by ten our ability based on how often we use what we have? Would we be like the men with two and five talents who increased, or would we be like the one-talent man who lost what he had (Matt 25:14-30)?
While we no longer live under a tithe system, do we really think that God expects any less of us today? Let us not be so deceived. May we always remember to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt 6:33).
