Abundance

Celebrating Abundance

When was the last time you celebrated a pay raise, bonus, new position, promotion, or even just a steady job by praising the Lord publicly for His bounty? That's partly what the Old Testament concept of the tithe was about (Deut. 14:22).

A tithe meant “a tenth part.” God commanded the Israelites to part periodically with one-tenth of their produce or income for three reasons: to celebrate the abundance that He had provided (14:22–26); to provide for the Levites, who owned no land because they were responsible for the tabernacle and worship (14:27; Num. 18:20–24); and to provide for the poor (Deut. 14:28–29).

Believers today are not bound by the law of the tithe. However, the principles still apply—to celebrate God's blessing, to support those in vocational Christian work, and to provide for the poor. Do you observe these disciplines out of your financial resources?

God wants us to feast and be joyful in light of His provision and goodness. How might you show joy and gratitude with what He has given you?

The God Who Gives Wealth

There are two extremes today about the connection between God and wealth. One is that wealth and money are inherently evil and therefore God is opposed to them. The other is that God is just waiting to shower wealth on those who satisfy certain expectations that He has.

Moses' word to the Israelites that “God… gives you power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:18) helps to clear up both misunderstandings. On the one hand, it shows that ultimately wealth is a gift of God; therefore, it cannot be evil as such, or else God would not provide it (compare James 1:17). Numerous other Scripture passages reinforce the fact that whatever one possesses, one has God to thank for it (for example, 1 Sam. 3:7; Hos. 2:8).

On the other hand, Moses' statement shows that God is not a celestial Santa Claus dispensing toys to good children. In the first place, no one today can claim this passage as a direct promise from God. These words were spoken to Israel because, as the text plainly states, the nation was involved in a covenant relationship with God. The terms of that covenant called for blessing on the nation (but not necessarily on individuals within the nation) if it kept the Law (compare Lev. 26:3–5). Moses was concerned that, in the face of abundance, the people would forget the source of their wealth.

For people today, who live outside that special covenant that God had with ancient Israel, Moses' words imply only the general truth that all that we have ultimately comes from God.

God's words also show the importance of human responsibility in obtaining wealth. God did not give His people wealth directly so much as He gave them the ability to work their fields and develop their resources so that they prospered. Thus, we ought never to expect God to simply drop a check in the mail so that we effortlessly enjoy financial gain. Rather, we can turn to Him for strength and wisdom as we do our work to provide for our needs.