August 3, 2023

Malachi 3: 10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse . . .” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (NIV)

How can God say no to something He has promised?*

On the game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” the contestants choose Door #1, Door #2, or Door #3, in hopes of winning a big prize – a new car, a luxury vacation, lots of cash. Pick the wrong door and they win something of lesser – or no – value. Tithing is like a modified version of the show. Instead of three doors, there’s only one. Instead of prizes of little value, you are guaranteed to win something of great worth. The only risk is that you don’t know exactly what that prize will be.

Are we so afraid of the unknown that we aren’t willing to choose the one and only door behind which the prize is hidden? If God has promised to “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won’t have room enough for it,” why would anyone not get out their checkbook and start tithing? There’s room for a little mystery when it comes to God’s blessings. Pick Door #Only and be prepared for a big surprise.

Christians who tithe demonstrate their trust in God to provide for their needs . . ., believing that 90 percent of their income with God’s blessing is greater than 100 percent without it.*