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By Kathleen Thomas
“Why then have you deceived me?” (Genesis 29:25).
Maria Hirschmann, in the book “Hansi,” tells of an experience in the early days of their marriage in postwar Germany. Becoming a Christian had cost her her job as a teacher in Bavaria. This necessitated her husband’s dropping out of school to work. Jobs were scarce and they had soon used most of their small savings, with no job in sight.
One day when almost all but their tithe money was gone, Maria insisted that her husband Rudy take the tithe to the church, lest they spend it. When he arrived at the church, someone knew of a job immediately available.
But what would have happened had the tithe been withheld? What of those corners of our lives, our time, our use of weekends, our abilities, our resources? What will become of us if we withhold them from God? Could it mean losing a blessing?
Father, you give us everything, but we soon forget about your ownership, wanting to keepso much for ourselves. Our selfishness hinders you. We may deceive one another, but you cannot be deceived. Amen.
Originally published October 25, 1975
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