Why tithing?

Tithing is an ancient commandment. If God has given this commandment since the beginning, or near it, then it must be very important. Why has He given it, and why is it so important? Why would Malachi speak about it so seriously, as ‘robbing’ God?

I think it’s because tithing is a symbol of our greater consecration, and it indicates the vital posture of gratitude we must have towards God.

We are to consecrate our whole lives to God and His work – to becoming disciples of Christ and entering God’s kingdom in heaven. And the thing we must, in the end and above all, consecrate to Him is our hearts.

If we cannot even consecrate ten percent of our increase to God and His work of salvation – which benefits us and others – in gratitude for what we have received, how can we consecrate our hearts; our wills? Our whole selves?