Tag: tithing

“The Answer Is Money. Now, What Was Your Question?”

Neal Pollard

Recently, I heard former college player and head coach and current UFL head coach Rick Neuheisel say this. He was discussing why the “portal” and “NIL” is creating a “wild west” upheaval that is changing college sports. His co-host kept bemoaning and wondering why everyone was letting this happen and ruining something so many have enjoyed. Then came Neuheisel’s hilarious, but Solomonic reply. Isn’t it true? Where knowingly or not, the coach was quoting the king: “Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything” (Ecc. 10:19). 

Why have we been sold so many lies about healthcare, diet, investing, politics, fashion, home design, education, and the like? “Take this. Do this. Buy this.” Many times, the answer is money. Money is a neutral commodity, but loving it drives people to do just about anything. Often, those drives are destructive. You remember what Paul said about it?  

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:9-10). 

This is what so often follows “the answer”–temptation, traps, tragedies, transgressions, turmoil, tears, and treachery! Desire becomes harmful desire. Love of money eclipses healthy desires. People lie, cheat, steal, and kill for it. How many relationships, friendships, marriages, homes, and families have been blown apart because someone or everyone placed the money above the Master’s message about it? 

“Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Mat. 6:24). Jesus warns against those who are trying to find the answer in money. 

Money is such a wonderful tool and servant. It meets needs (2 Cor. 8-9). It provides supports (2 Cor. 8:4). It is a tangible way to show grace (2 Cor. 8:7). It can prove our love (2 Cor. 8:24). Giving it cheerfully pleases God (2 Cor. 9:7). It can increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10). Giving it enriches you in ways no net worth will reflect (2 Cor, 9:11). That’s how money can be the right answer. But we must let God both ask the questions and give the answers!

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XV)

Mourning, Mealtime, And Money (14:1-29)

Neal Pollard

The instructions in chapter 14 are necessary to keep Israel distinct from the influences of the Canaanites or any other non-covenantal people whom they might encounter. They would witness customs and see foods they might want to incorporate which were unrighteous, unhealthy, or otherwise unacceptable to God. So, Moses prefacing his words by reminding them they are sons of God (1), holy (2), and chosen (2). Though prohibitions like those in this chapter are removed in Christ (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15; 1 Tim. 4:4-5), this principle abides: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). 

They were to be different in their reaction to death (1-2). We’re not told what was abominable about cutting themselves or shaving their heads (1), but “the external appearance of the people should reflect their internal status as the chosen and holy people of God” (Wenham, NICOT, 272). Moses had issued these warnings in his inspired writing in the book of Leviticus (19:27-28; 21:5-6). Merrill points to a later example that shows the pagan superstition of the prophets of Baal in cutting themselves to try and rouse their god (1 Ki. 18:28)(236). 

They were to be different in their dietary consumption (3-21). Moses introduces two categories of animals, divided into “clean” (11,20) and “unclean” (7,8,10,19). He uses synonymous ways to speak of these categories. The unclean are also called “detestable” (3) or he simply gives the various reasons why they are forbidden, like those who have certain anatomical features or eating habits as well as situations like dying of itself (21). With this, he gives a list of animals who can be eaten.

They were to be different in their relationship to material things (22-27). Throughout the Old Testament, we see sacrifices offered to false gods. This is the more thoughtful, proactive practice of giving a tenth of one’s produce or its monetary equivalent (25). In part, this contribution took care of the Levite who would have no territorial inheritance (27-29). As God gave them the ability to labor and blessed the fruit of their labor, they were to show their gratitude by sacrificing of their yield. 

The ways that we are different from the world today, as Christians, mirrors Israel in some ways and in some ways. We are to give back from our prosperity, though how much is not stipulated. Instead, our attitude of gratitude should show cheerfulness and eagerness (2 Cor. 8-9). Yet, being under a better covenant with better promises (Heb. 8:5-6), surely we will not be looking to give God scraps, leftovers, and crumbs (see Mal. 1:8; 3:8-10). We are to be good stewards of our bodies, but our food is not regulated in the way it was under Moses (see first paragraph). We sorrow over loved ones who die, but it can and should be different if we mourn Christian loved ones (1 Thess. 4:13). 

The idea of being distinct is woven into both Testaments. We saw that in our remarks about chapter 13, that God wants His people set apart and holy to Him (cf. Lev. 11:44-45; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). That is best demonstrated by the inner person (Rom. 7:22; 2 Cor. 4:16), but will be obvious through our obedient, God-glorifying deeds (Mat. 5:13-16).