The question that God asked His people after they returned from captivity, is one that we should all think about once in a while.

Malachi 3:8 (ESV)
⁸  Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.

When we do not financially give back to God for the blessings He has given to us, we are guilty of robbing Him.  While we are not commanded to tithe today, we are commanded to give.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (ESV)
¹  Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ²  On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

Are you giving to God as you should, or have you become a spiritual thief?  Do you rob God by not putting something aside for Him and His cause on the first day of the week?  Giving to God says several things about us.

It says that we appreciate what God does for us.  God wants us to show our gratitude for His gracious gifts.  One way we can do this is by giving back to Him from the prosperity with which He has blessed us.  Now, giving alone is not going to show that we are thankful.  We must give with the right attitude.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
⁶  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

First, when we are giving with a good attitude, we will give bountifully.  While we are not commanded to give a tenth today, that being an Old Testament law, we can at least use that as a benchmark, seeing that the command was implemented by God.  Accordingly, if we are giving back 2% of our income to God when we can afford to give more, you can be sure that He views that as giving sparingly, and it shows that we do not truly appreciate all that He has given us.  Second, whatever amount we give, it is only a demonstration of gratitude if we give cheerfully, not out of compulsion.

When we give as we should, it shows that we love properly.  When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul encouraged the brethren to give to the poor saints of Judea.  He said to them, “I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love is genuine” (2 Corinthians 8:8).  While the church was not commanded to participate in this specific act of benevolence, once they decided to do so, every member of the congregation was to contribute.  With apostolic authority, Paul told them, “each of you is to put something aside…” (1 Corinthians 16:2).  The point of it is that by giving, they were proving their love, both for the brethren, as well as for the overall cause of Christ.

Are you guilty of thievery by robbing God?  If so, repent of that as soon as possible and start following the divine directive to lay by in store as God has prospered you.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.