Here is a question to ponder.

Which of the 10 commandments direct us to give money to our churches and support charitable causes?

The “10 commandments” written in Exodus 20, and Deuteronomy 5 simplified in my words are: put all your trust in God and don’t make other things more important than Him, show respect for God’s name, go to church, respect and honor your parents and authorities; Don’t murder, commit sexual sins, steal, lie, or desire something so much that you would do wrong to get it.

So like me, you probably would consider the first commandment, “Have no other Gods before me” as the reason we tithe, and Also, Jesus’ direction in Matthew 22:39 “Love your neighbor as yourself” as the reason for charity.

So the obedience we show by giving to our church or to charitable causes is to demonstrate that the money is not our God.

In the account of the Rich Young Man in Matthew 10:17-28, the man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, after explaining that he has followed all the commandments. Jesus says “sell all your possessions, give to the poor and follow me.” Is selling his possessions and giving to the poor going to bring him eternal life? No, his problem was that the possessions were more important to him that Jesus. How about us?

Dear Lord, thank you for all the blessings and things we have, help us remember that they will not save or protect us, they are not the priority, they are gifts you have given us to do your will. Thank you that we know your love for us is what gives us protection and grants us eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.