This is a picture of my friend Stan’s truck. It’s a one-of-kind 1941 Power Wagon that he built and customized himself. It’s got 44-inch tires and a 400 horsepower Chevy 350 engine. It’s a head-turner. If you don’t turn your head, the train air horn will get your attention.
I’ve asked Stan if he would hand me the keys to it tomorrow. He said he would, but imagine he’ll want them back.
Now, how would it be if I had the keys in my hand and said, “Hey Stan, I’ve been thinking about it, praying about it, and I’ve really had God lead me to give you this truck.” Knowing Stan, he’d probably smile at me, but then put his hand on my shoulder and say, “Bro, that truck ain’t yours to give.” To which I would quickly return the keys their rightful owner.
When it comes to money, I frequently hear people say, “I give as I feel led.” They think that sounds spiritual and godly, but it’s as ridiculous as me saying, “I love my wife as I feel led.” It’s also impossible.
You can’t give what you doesn’t belong to you.
Don’t get me wrong, I not saying we shouldn’t give, but only after we’ve returned what doesn’t belong to us.
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30, NKJV)
People can argue about tithing till the cows come home, but the fact is that everything we have belongs to the Lord. We can’t GIVE what belongs to him, until we’ve RETURNED what belongs to him. That’s a hugely important thing to understand.
What’s amazing is all God asks that we return to him is a tenth of our increase. Then he promises that the rest of the 90% will be blessed, so much so that we will have an abundance live on, and to give from.
Maybe I can get Stan to give me a ride. Listen for the horn.
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