The church is a stronghold that the devil finds difficult to
control. Jesus Himself said 'I will build
my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' (Matthew
16:18). This is Christ's intention, on the condition that He is allowed to
build His church. He is only interested in doing so via the word of God and
nothing else. It is wise to allow Jesus Himself do the building by laying a
solid foundation for growth.
We have troublemakers of the church, both external and
internal. The external troublemakers are those that hate the church, they do
not want to hear the word of God and also disregard the gospel of Christ.
Though this group could engage in physical assault against the church, not
withstanding, if Christ be for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). It
means that we are covered from external troubles.
However, in Matthew 12:25 we are told that 'Every kingdom divided against itself is
brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not
stand'
This tells us that a crack within the house can bring the
house to desolation. It infers that the enemy within is more dangerous than the
external ones. In the church, we have quite a number of enemies within,
adultery, covetousness, backbiting amongst others which war against the church.
However, there is one that a few despise, that is tithes paying.
I was in a church one day and the Spirit of the Lord spoke
through the minister and said “those that are not paying their tithes in this
church are the troublemakers of the church”. This church had been in existence
for eight (8) years yet had struggled to grow. She moved from one challenge to
the other. Are you one of the troublemakers of your church? Do you pay tithes?
If not, perhaps you are a troublemaker too. Anyone that sincerely loves God
will not withhold anything from Him.
God is not just interested in the payment of tithes but He
expects that you put it first. In other words, before using your income for
anything, your tithes must have been paid or set aside. There was a time money
was paid into my account and it was on a Friday, so I said to myself that on
Monday I will cash it and pay my tithes later, but the Lord gave me this verse
of the bible.
Be not a terror to me;
You are my refuge and hope in the day of evil
Jeremiah 17:17 (AMP)
This was the cry of Jeremiah who understood that there is
only one reliable refuge and hope when challenges come knocking. That refuge is
God. No wonder God said “And I will
rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your
ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before time in the field, saith
the LORD of Hosts” (Malachi 3:11). This promise is meant for tithe payers
not troublemakers in the church.
Are you a child of God? If yes, then allow Him to shield you
in the days of adversity. Work and contribute towards the growth of your local
assembly. The LORD will be glad to be your shield, and so shall it be. However,
do not forget that there are other important things too in the word of God. As
you pay your tithes, humble yourself to abide to the word of God; for the word
of God is important in its totality.
For you are careful to
tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more
important aspects of the law -JUSTICE, MERCY, and FAITH. You should tithe, yes,
but do not neglect the more important things.
Matthew 23:23 (NLT)
As you go on in life remember to stand for the truth, be
merciful to others and have faith in God. You are blessed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
SHALOM.
