Beautiful Word Devotional #238

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Genesis 14:20

As this verse illustrates, Abram had a clear understanding of stewardship. He knew that God owned absolutely everything. In response to that, he made a commitment to give back to the Lord 10 percent of everything he had.

Why did Abram do this? Did God need his wealth? No. God owns everything and is master of all, of mountains, oceans, stars, and the universe. Abram gave this 10 percent to show his allegiance to God and to demonstrate his trust that, by God’s grace, his house would not run out of food.

When we give as Abram gave, we loosen money’s hold on our lives. We show that we trust more in God than our money. After all, like Abram, we have been given much by God so that we can become a blessing to many. And when we hold our possessions loosely, we’ll give with greater joy, and we’ll deepen our trust in the God who provides it all.

Lord, I want to give joyfully. I acknowledge that you own it all anyway. I trust you to use my gifts for your glory and to continue to provide for me, amen.