The Scripture affirms the answer for us, and it says that we are responsible for a tithe (Leviticus 27:30). If we do not honor God with this amount, He says we have stolen from Him (Malachi 3:8). Jesus speaks highly in the New Testament of those tithe and harshly about those who do not (Luke 11:42). 

When we give to the church, we give to God. Jesus established the Church in the world to carry on His work and ministry. The Church is the subject of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The local church cannot exist, function or do the work of ministry without the financial support of its members and others who contribute to it work financially.

When we tithe, we do what God requires and exhibit our faith that God will help us use the other ninety percent in ways that will be sufficient to meet our needs. God expects us not only to tithe but to bring the best that we have; we are to bring the "first fruits of our labor." When we give to God the leftovers in our life, we are saying that He is not important to us; yet, He is the giver of all of life.

When we bring our tithe, we reveal our faith in all that God has promised to do for us, and He will give us a sufficient amount to meet all of our needs, but not our wants. If we tithe, can we meet our other obligations such as paying the rent of house payments, utility bills, food, college tuition, loan payments and other essentials of life? Try it and see for yourself. This is our challenge to you. God will provide if we are faithful to Him and give Him the first fruits of our efforts.