06/30/2022
A powerful lesson from a woman who used an ice cream date to teach her kids about tithing. Check it out and may even take your kid to froyo this week.
"The definition of tithe is 10%. Tithing is giving the first ten percent of what we make back to God. It’s given to the church we attend regularly to support them as they help others and share the good news of the gospel.
It’s the first and the best of what we have been given.
from https://www.kimberlyamici.com/
It’s an act of worship and thanksgiving for all He has done for us, including sending Jesus to redeem us.
I have been teaching my kids to tithe but I wanted them to have a greater understanding of what it is. I wanted them to have a tithing testimony. So I took them out for a treat. My kids were thrilled to go to the frozen yogurt place, in the middle of the week, for no reason at all. They chose their favorite flavor and loaded it up with toppings.
I didn’t get any for myself.
Once the kids sat down to enjoy their creations I asked for a bite…from each of them. And yes I wanted a bite off the top, not the bottom after all the goodies have been eaten.
As first they were a little protective of their yogurt, even after I reminded them that I was the one who bought if for them. I reassured them I didn’t want the whole thing. I just wanted a bite. After some kisses and tickles they were willing to share.
I used the opportunity to talk to them about the tithe.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9
When God provides for us, He asks us to honor Him by returning a small portion to Him. He wants the first and the best of what we have been entrusted with, not the leftovers.
Just as my kids showed their appreciation for my gift to them by being generous, the tithe is how we can show our appreciation to God for His gifts.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:10
I told them about how the church puts our money in the bank and uses it to pay the pastor, pay for the kids program, youth group, and special events. Our tithe also helps the people in our church and others in our community.
When we obey, God continues to provide for us and even give us more because He knows we can be trusted.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:10-11
My children’s willingness to share their yogurt made it possible for me to save a little money. Plus, I could satisfy my craving for sweets without having a full portion all to myself. It’s a win-win.
Chances are the next time my little ones ask to go out for yogurt, I will say YES."
