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“The First Priority Not the Last”

Thoughts for Today:

I have spoken with countless people (both young and old) who say they want to tithe, but just don't have enough money to do so. I always start with the Biblical definition of how much we should give (which will be discussed in future devotions), then break it down to a weekly and daily amount. God truly doesn't ask a lot of us financially, especially if we look at it in smaller increments and with a perspective of how much He has done for us. However, for most people a decision about tithing will always come down to self-denial. In other words, what we're willing to give up or do without.

In our passage today, Paul offers the practical advice we need if we truly desire to tithe: "On the first day of the week, set aside a sum of money..." He didn't say, "Wait until the end of the week, and then tithe whatever is left." We should always begin the week with the tithe, and then let everything else flow from there. If we wait there won't be anything left over. Think about it: Sunday is the first day of the week (not the last)!

Questions to Ponder:

Most people say, "If I just made a little more money, then I could tithe." I say, "That's not true. If you made more money you would just spend more and still be in the same place without enough left over to give." Expenses will always grow in the same proportion to income, unless we change our way of thinking. Remember the old adage: "A failure to plan is a plan to fail." What is your plan? Is it a plan to give, or spend first and give later? Have you set aside this coming week's tithe? You might need to ride share to work, make a sack lunch, reduce how much is spent at the mall, or not get takeout this week, but you can surely tithe -- if you make a plan to do so! In order to be successful at anything we must first learn discipline. Will you be disciplined this week financially? Will you make tithing your first priority, not your last?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.