A lot of people are deceived about tithing. They follow traditions, but don’t really know the truth. So today I want to take a few minutes and hope to clear up a little bit of this confusion.

In 2007, The Barna Group found less than 5% of Americans tithe. Wonder why? I believe a big factor is because people feel manipulated and don’t know the truth. You – along with many others – hear about tithing and feel there’s just something “not right” about what you’re hearing. Guess what? You’re right! There IS something not-quite-right about the message too many hear…

So this morning you and I will talk about the TRUTH, versus the tradition we have been sold.

Cain and Abel were the first to tithe – at least, the first recorded in the Bible. “So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:3-5)

One sacrifice was accepted and the other wasn’t. And you know the aftermath – Cain killed his brother. You see, what was inside Cain’s heart, maybe his motive for bringing the offering, was the root cause of all the fallout.

There was something not quite right in the heart of Cain when he presented his offering…. he just gave to get attention from God. When God praised Abel’s offering, Cain took it personally… instead of learning from it.

Have you noticed insecure people tend to take things personally? And their response is usually defensive or self-deprecating. “I know, I suck. I shouldn’t even be here. I’m not good enough. I always screw up. What’s the use?” or “No way, I did everything right! I can’t help it if you didn’t make it clearer.”

Do you get “squirmy” when you get caught? Do you start “wiggling” in defense? Then, do you get mad and begin to destroy yourself – or others? That’s certainly what Cain did.

When it comes to giving God His share, we need to make sure we have the right motives. You see, we humans tend to lean toward greed and stinginess. That greed and stinginess keep us from receiving the bigger blessings in life. It keeps us from immeasurable favor and greater blessings. It chokes out favor, blessing, happiness and true wealth.

Yet, Cain brought the offering – but based on the fruit – he brought it for the wrong reasons. “Hey look, mine is better than my brother’s” or “What am I gonna get for this in return?” or even, “Hey, look at me… look how good I did!”

It is crystal clear we must break through the first barrier of stinginess and greed, along with the second one – the wrong motive.

When you give, you must do it with a clean and obedient heart – adoration for God, not yourself. It’s about being thankful to God for how He has blessed your work – it is not a time to show-off how great you are to God or prove to everyone else how great you are!

I hope today’s message cleared up a few things for you. I would love to know your thoughts and questions about this topic. With so much confusion out there, it’s my desire is to bring truth and clarity to you!

In great faith,

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