Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings

Anciently the Lord commanded, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10).

In these the latter days the Lord has reiterated this commandment, "that, those who have this been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever . . ." (see D&C 119).

Lately the commandment to live the law of tithing has been on my mind quite a bit. I'm not ready to share all of my thoughts and feelings just yet, but I do want to share this great talk by Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles entitled, "Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings," (Ensign, Nov 2002).

This talk focuses not so much on the ins and outs of the law, why ten percent, where the money goes, etc., but on the blessings and results of faithfully living the law of tithing. Taught Elder Scott, "the obedient payment of tithing fortifies our faith, and that faith sustains us through the trials, tribulations, and sorrows in our life’s journey.

"Tithing also teaches us to control our desires and passions for the things of this world. Payment of tithing encourages us to be honest in our dealings with our fellowmen. We learn to trust that what we have been given, through the blessings of the Lord and our own diligent efforts, is sufficient for our needs."

Living the law of tithing requires faith, especially when our resources are few. However, the blessings promised to those who faithfully live this law regardless of circumstance are innumerable.

"Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments."

I have a deep and abiding testimony of the law of tithing.

Jeremy