We learned two lessons about the law of tithing last October when Elder David A. Bednar gave his talk, entitled "The Windows of Heaven" during General Conference.
Lesson 1 - Significant But Subtle Blessings
So often when we teach and testify about the law of tithing we emphasize the immediate, dramatic and recognizable temporal blessings that we might receive. For example - that unexpected check in the mail. Yet some of those significant blessings we receive by being obedient to this commandment are subtle. Often these are not discernible unless we are both spiritually attentive and observant. In 1 Corinthians 2:14 it reads, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Lesson 2 - The Simplicity of the Lord's Way
The basic financial program of the Church for income and disbursement is defined in Doctrine & Covenants 119 and 120. In Section 119:4 it simply states that all members "...shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever... saith the Lord."
In D&C 120 we find that these funds shall be disbursed by a council & who serves on that council. These sacred funds are used to spiritual bless individuals and families by constructing and maintaining temples and houses of worship, supporting missionary work, translating and publishing scriptures, and accomplishing many other Church purposes as directed by the Lord through his ordained servants.
The temporal affairs of the Lord's Church are kept within the bounds of these two revelations. Two basic and fixed principles are observed. First, the Church lives within it's means. In other words, the church does not spend more than it receives. Second, a portion of the annual income is set aside as a reserve for contingencies and unexpected needs. These are the same principles the Church has taught it's members for years.
On Sunday we will spend more time discussing those significant but subtle blessings that we might receive if we are being obedient to the Lords law of tithing.
In D&C 120 we find that these funds shall be disbursed by a council & who serves on that council. These sacred funds are used to spiritual bless individuals and families by constructing and maintaining temples and houses of worship, supporting missionary work, translating and publishing scriptures, and accomplishing many other Church purposes as directed by the Lord through his ordained servants.
The temporal affairs of the Lord's Church are kept within the bounds of these two revelations. Two basic and fixed principles are observed. First, the Church lives within it's means. In other words, the church does not spend more than it receives. Second, a portion of the annual income is set aside as a reserve for contingencies and unexpected needs. These are the same principles the Church has taught it's members for years.
On Sunday we will spend more time discussing those significant but subtle blessings that we might receive if we are being obedient to the Lords law of tithing.
"...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 3:10Marcia Lindley
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