Here is another one of those basic principles of life that I've recently been reminded of: the Subtract to Multiply Principle. It comes from the Biblical principle of tithing, which usually has to do with money: giving back to God 10% of everything we earn. Notice the word back because God is who gave us everything in the first place. I would love to thoroughly explain the awesomeness of the money aspect of this principle, but I'm not talking about money today. (However I really, REALLY, really recommend listening to this excellent series our pastor just finished called The Blessed Life: http://www.treeoflifechurch.org/listen/)
The whole point of the Ten Percent Principle is in a sense to "sacrifice" part of what we own and give it to God. Why would he ask us to do that? What's the point of blessing us and then asking for part of it back? I really believe it's actually for our own good, since God doesn't actually need anything, does He? It takes a lot of trust to obey something God tells us to do when it doesn't make complete sense to us. It takes faith to give something when we don't think we can afford it. It takes humility to recognize that nothing we have is ours anyway. Besides building all this into our character, God promises blessings and increase! Basically, when we give back to God, He promises to multiply so that 10-1 =20...or something like that. But the point isn't to give a little so God will give us more, like a 2 for 1 deal. The point is to give in order to obey and to bless. Don't forget that the motives of our heart are plain to God!
So what do I mean by all this "giving" if I'm not talking about money? It's a life principle because it affects everything: resources, serving, hospitality, talents, and one of the most crucial things: TIME! I've been so challenged about the amount of time I give to God and to serving others. I am a new mom with a 5 month old and even the most wise and spiritual ladies will pat my back in understanding and say it's ok that I may not have time for more than quick half-sentence prayers between all my wife and mom duties. Bless their hearts, that is true sometimes and I believe there is grace for that. But in all honesty, I know I can make time if I really want to. Furthermore, it takes faith. Why faith? Because it means I trust the Lord to multiply and bless the rest of my day. Just like tithing money. I'm not just making that up, really! Someone recently pointed out Proverbs 3:1-2...
"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you."
By dedicating time to God's Word and prayer (to remind myself of his commandments and make sure they are fresh in my heart), God will lengthen my days and give me peace! I know that God will bless my time and help me accomplish what I need to when I spend time with Him. I know for sure that I will enjoy my day much more with His peace than without. I know that even though it doesn't make sense mathematically, God multiplies blessings when we subtract what we "own" for Him and for others. But I don't want to be an "I know but don't do" person. That's why this is a kindergarten principle. In a way it doesn't make sense. But on the other hand it's like, "Duh! Why haven't I been doing this all along?" We hold on so tightly to our limited view of out little lives when God wants to explode that beyond our wildest dreams!
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