Dangerous Theft

By Paul Chappell

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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 3:8-10

Police had little trouble tracking down a man who robbed a bank in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The hapless thief used a bank deposit slip for his note informing the teller that the bank was being robbed—a deposit slip he had filled out with his name! The robber was quickly arrested and sent to prison.

Yet as silly and shortsighted as that is, many people are doing something far worse. Though they would never rob a bank or a store, they are robbing the very God of Heaven. He has given us commands regarding our giving that He takes very seriously. The people of Israel in the days of the prophet Malachi protested when they were accused of robbing God, and reacted as if that were something they would never do.

In response, God sent them a powerful message—they were under a curse because they had not faithfully brought their tithes and offerings as they were commanded. Not giving is a dangerous theft, and it is a double tragedy. Not only were the people suffering under a curse but they were missing an amazing blessing that God was willing to give them in response to their obedience. “Prove Me,” God said, offering them a challenge that they should find out for themselves how faithful He would be to reward them for giving.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Honor God with what He has given to you, and do not be guilty of robbing Him by failing to tithe and give offerings.