A wealthy Christian businessman once shared how giving 50% of his income to God’s work had brought him continued prosperity. He invited questions, favouring well-dressed attendees, until a shabby elderly woman persisted and boldly said, If you always gave away 50%, why aren’t you doing that now? Her honesty pierced his pride—and ours too. This prompts us to consider: how much priority do we give to supporting the Lord’s work? Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of all he received (Genesis 28:22). In the New Testament we’re told, Each one should give … not with regret or out of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly (2 Corinthians 9:7–9, TEV). Rather than fixating on percentages, we should ask: Am I giving with joy and faith—or am I holding back, wondering with regret if I could have given more – not for my gain, but for His glory?
