Devotionals: Tithing

Adam's Stewardship

By Al Taylor

Adam was assigned a stewardship responsibility. He was accountable for his work and trusteeship. He was told not to eat the forbidden fruit. Adam failed in his responsibility to obey in the management of material things. He declined God's invitation to eat fruit from the tree of life and did eat the forbidden fruit. The world has continued to fail in the same area. More tragic than that, we believers often fail in our management of material things, too.

Money and possessions either bring good into our lives or they will bring evil. What makes the difference? The difference is whether we bring ourselves and our possessions under the Lordship of Christ. Adam was steward of all the trees but was required to discipline himself not to eat any fruit from one of them. This illustrated the tithing principle.

Every time God blesses me with "increase" the tithe is in the midst of it. I am allowed to enjoy the increase, but I am forbidden to eat the tithe. That tenth part is reserved unto God. To disobey will turn good (increase) into evil (judgment). And just like Adam, I will become fearful (insecure). I will try to cover up. And, I will start hiding from God.

When I choose to consume the tithe, I make Adam's mistake. I fail in my stewardship. I am looking to the created for my source and my security. When I obey God and dedicate the forbidden part to Him, then the lump is holy (good). I am free to obey God with all my resources. He is my source and my security. I don't need to hide. I am unafraid. I am His steward.