Trust Issues: Putting God First in Our Finances
Pastor Kyle Veach
Today, we're diving into one of those topics that can stir up some mixed feelings - trust issues, especially when it comes to our finances. This message derives from a sermon series called FIRST, where we're exploring the concept of putting God first in various aspects of our lives. God being first in our day, our finances, our parenting, and our relationships. What we do first often sets the tone for the rest of our lives, and it represents what's truly important to us.
So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's talk about trust issues, and no, not the kind you might discuss in your therapy session, but the kind that many Christians seem to have with God. Click the link above for the full message.
Trusting the Leader of Your Life
Every one of us is a follower in some way or another. Whether we acknowledge it or not, something or someone is leading our lives. If you follow God, you're a disciple, learning to become more like Jesus every day, and it involves leaving your old self behind.
Here's the thing: if you don't trust Him regularly in the day-to-day, it's going to be challenging to trust Him when you're faced with life's most challenging crises. Trust is a muscle we need to flex regularly, not just when life throws us a curveball.
Money Matters and Trust Issues
Now, let's get to the heart of it - money. It's that area where many of us wrestle with trust issues the most. Isn't it funny how we trust God with our eternal destiny, but when it comes to our bank accounts, suddenly, it's personal?
In Malachi 3:6-12, God has a word for us on this matter. He talks about how we've turned away from His decrees, especially when it comes to tithes and offerings.
6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’ 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
In verse 10, God invites us to bring our whole tithe into the storehouse and test Him in this area. He promises to open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure. He wants us to live in abundance and be a part of the solution in the world around us.
Trust me, God isn't asking for your money to line His pockets; He's asking you to trust Him with your finances, and it's a step towards a more abundant life.
Meet Malachi, the Straight-Talking Prophet
Malachi, one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament, doesn't sugarcoat things. He highlights God's unchanging nature, our unfaithfulness, and the importance of tithing and giving offerings. The message is clear: by tithing, we express faithfulness and honor God with our material possessions.
Here's the bottom line: if you trust God with your life, you should trust Him with your money. It's as simple as that.
Tithing: Uncomplicating Your Money
Tithing can be a bit awkward, and it's usually the point in a church service or conversation where some squirm in their seats. But here's the deal – it's the number one way to un-complicate your finances. It's where it all begins. By giving God the first portion of your income, you're making a statement that He comes first in your life.
Leviticus 27:30 reminds us that a tenth of all we produce is the Lord's, and it is holy. If that makes you uncomfortable, understand that we teach this not because we need your money, but because you need to trust God more deeply. We're not giving to scrutinize how the funds are used; we're giving to live with unwavering trust in God.
Tithing isn't about achieving financial freedom or securing a ticket to heaven. It's not a religious law or a way to make God happy with you. It's simply about putting God first in your finances.
God Wants Your Heart, Including Your Wallet
Jesus talked about money twice as much as He talked about heaven and hell combined. He understood the complexity of our relationship with money and how it can control us. In Matthew 6:21, He reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. God desires your heart, and where your heart is pointed, your life will follow.
Out of the 38 parables Jesus shared, 16 were about money and possessions. Why? Because money is undeniably spiritual. Rev. Billy Graham once wisely said, "If a person gets their attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of their life."
The Aladdin Connection: "Do You Trust Me?"
Imagine the scene from Aladdin where he extends his hand to Jasmine while on a sketchy magic carpet and asks, "Do you trust me?" Well, God's been asking us the same question for centuries. He didn't invent tithing for His sake, but for ours. It doesn't take faith to give the last 10%; it takes faith to give the first 10%.
God wants to know if He can trust you with the resources He's blessed you with. If you can't handle money responsibly, you can't handle leadership. It's as simple as that.
Giving God Your Best
Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us to honor the Lord with our wealth and the best part of everything we produce. God doesn't want your leftovers; He wants your best. You're working hard for your income; don't waste it on anything less than what God has in store for you.
Sometimes, we make this whole money thing weird. We might hear people say, "The church doesn't want your money," and that's true. God doesn't want your money; He wants your heart. However, the church needs your financial support to fulfill its purpose and be the vehicle God created it to be.
Money: From Complicated to Uncomplicated
Money is complicated. It can be as confusing as trying to solve a Rubik's Cube. But just like that cube, there's a method to making sense of it all. The reason it's so complex is that it's inherently spiritual. If the church had to use tricks or angles to get you to tithe, it would never work. This year has been different, and your pastor's heart is for you to understand this deeply.
Luke 16:13 reminds us that we can't serve two masters - God and mammon (a word from Babylon that means the god of confusion).
13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Let's clear away the confusion and recognize that only God can truly bless our lives.
So, personally, it might not matter, but spiritually, it's a big deal.
Keys to Clarify Doubts
Now, let's address some common doubts and questions:
"Isn't tithing an Old Testament law?" Yes, it was, but in the New Testament, it's an opportunity, not an obligation. The principle of tithing predates the law, just as "In the beginning, God..." starts the Bible. It's about starting everything with God. Jesus emphasizes that “we don’t have to tithe to earn God’s love—because we already have it. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus warns against focusing too much on the rules of tithing without paying attention to the more important things like justice, mercy and faithfulness. This isn’t about a rule. This is about your heart.” (Dave Ramsey)
"I can't afford to tithe." That's why God said, "Test me." He knew we'd be afraid to tithe, especially when the month is tight. Tithing is a test of faith, and it's time to stop living a predictable Christian life. Your eternity is secure; what else truly matters?
"The church doesn't need my money." While that's true, we do know what we'd do with it. Tithing allows the church to do the work of the Lord, from supporting missions to aiding disaster relief efforts to providing ministry opportunities to bring people to Jesus. It's about being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Following the Ultimate Example
Ultimately, Jesus gave everything, and we believe in following His example. He gave His best, and we want to do the same. Before we can uncomplicate our money, we must realize the depth of our faith in Jesus.
So, instead of waiting, why not take that step of faith today? Trust God with your finances, and watch as He transforms your life.
Further Reading
Article: “20 Bible Verses about Tithing and Offerings” by Pushpay
Article: “Tithes and Offerings: Your Questions Answered” by Ramsey Solutions
Book: Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week's message titled, "Pray First."
Check out Robert Morris’s Message on Tithing titled, “The Principle of First”
Explore our resources page for more guidance on living a Christ-centered life.
