Every Saturday evening, the kids and I sit around the table and “settle accounts.” They earn points each day for making their beds, reading Scripture, exercising, or helping around the house. On average, they earn between $5 and $10. Joyce and I try to teach them to set aside portions for giving, saving, and spending. And I’m reminded again and again that children are often far more generous than we are.
One evening, as I was teaching them about tithing (giving 10%), they asked, “Why not 5%? Or 20%?” It’s a good question. It reminded me of a story Tim Keller once told about the First Congregational Church in early Boston. Their merchants made a simple covenant: no more than a 4% profit, because fair dealing was part of loving one’s neighbor. When a respected member began selling at 6%, the leaders gently confronted him and called him back to their shared commitment.
Again, the question comes: “Why 4%? What’s the biblical ground? Isn’t that too legalistic?” Scripture teaches us to honor the Lord with our wealth, but how much is enough to express our love? That is why God gave His people a guideline - 10%. And that Boston church chose 4% as a practical guide for Christian business.
Yes, we no longer live under Old Testament law. We live in grace. But grace does not lower the bar. The New Testament sets the standard even higher, because the standard is now the cross. It’s not only about 10%. It is about 100% - our whole life offered to God in love for Him and our neighbor.
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving season, may we pause, reflect, and honor God in every part of our life.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. If you haven’t yet, you can watch our Thanksgiving Sunday services:
Mars Hill: Watch here | Houlton: Watch here
You can also read the message here: “True Generosity” – Luke 10:25–37
In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor
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