As
You Tithe So You Prosper
L. E. Meyer
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LESSON ONE:
WHAT IS TITHE?
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The tithe (Dasvandh) is
a true method of giving that was established
centuries ago and has been practiced since by
spiritual - minded people. Tithing has not been
improved upon as a method of giving, nor can it be
except by increasing the proportion given or by
giving all. Today, as in days past, we have freedom
in giving. We can give or not as we choose. We can
fulfill the law and recap the reward, or we can hold
on to more than we actually need and take the
consequences. Giving is a part of spiritual worship.
This fact has been recognized through the ages. Now
more than ever before, there is required the giving
of oneself, with all that one is or has, for
understanding has increased. |
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Right giving loosens the
burdens of our personal lives, unifies us with the
universal, and opens within and without an inflow
and outflow of God’s bounty. The Hebrews were
required to give a tenth in kind of all the produce
of the land. To quicken the law of prosperity and
keep it working, we must return at least a tenth of
our income, and we must not wait to give our tithe
until we have satisfied all personal desires and
paid our debts. |
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The point is this: one
who gives sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
one who gives bountifully will also reap
bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his
mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God
loves a cheerful giver. We must learn to give gladly
and freely, with faith, joy, and love. To realize
our all-sufficiency in all things, we must move in
accord with the law of our being. |
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The basis of tithing is
recognition of God’s ownership and every person’s
stewardship. Understanding this truth and acting
upon it brings abundant reward. The chief reward is
increased spirituality, manifesting itself in the
blessings of heart, soul, mind, and strength that
come through conscious unity with God. |
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In tithing we direct our
income into enduring investments that are of the
utmost value both materially and spiritually.
Tithing is based upon the innate spirit of equity
that prompts us to be as fair with God as we are
with all people. We must be in harmony with God
before we can be in harmony with ourselves or
others. |
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Tithing concerns one of
the inmost mysteries of life, the process by which
life is given expression, sustained, and unfolded;
by which life is restored when encroached upon by
disease; and by which it is uplifted to overcome
sickness and death. This can be explained by
thinking of tithing as a matter of rhythm and
proportion in a 9-to-I ratio. Throughout all nature,
harmony is expressed. The stars move in measured
cadence. |
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Each kind of bird has a
peculiar wing beat. Every note of music, every tone
of voice has a definite rhythm. The pansy always has
five petals; the wax cell of the honeycomb does not
vary. Snowflakes, in their infinite variety,
maintain their six-point pattern. The law of
prosperity is also governed by order and harmony. By
putting ourselves in harmony with the law of
prosperity, we insure our income and establish a
definite contact with divine substance and supply.
Tithing is insurance of income. |
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When we perform a task,
we may establish harmony by using the first tenth of
the allotted time in prayer and meditation. The
still, small voice will reveal the easiest, most
harmonious, and most efficient procedure for
accomplishing the task. We shall find that what
formerly required more than the time we had to give
can now be accomplished in less than the nine-tenths
of the time remaining after tithing. Tithing works
in harmony with our in-dwelling life. It operates
without interference to renew the body, to call
forth new and increased powers, and to add spiritual
illumination. We make things at least ten times
easier when we honor God with our tithe. |
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Tithing is a simple way
to begin to grow in the grace of giving. Those who
practice tithing will have more to give than they
thought possible. Tithing shows a willingness to
work with the law of prosperity and to return to the
Giver at least a part of. that which was given to
us. Tithing creates a vacuum that, according to the
inevitable law of action and reaction, must be
instantly filled again to overflowing. In tithing we
substitute faith in God’s supply for fear that we
shall come to want. In tithing we loosen the hold of
fear and, with it, many things that have bound us.
We find a freer soul, mind, and body; a joyous and
abounding health. Regular and systematic tithing
calls consistent attention to God as the source of
our supply and the giver of all our good. Tithing
clears away that which is apt to obstruct the free
flow of God’s greater blessings. Through tithing, we
make an investment, with God’s unlimited bounty as
security. Tithing is a sort of new financial birth
and a law of financial liberty. |
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Faithful tithers are
honest and own their own property; it does not own
them. Tithing is a system of developing generosity
untouched by vanity. Tithing is a reliable guarantee
against the ‘greeds.’ It is an income tax, divinely
assessed and paid as a freewill love offering.
Tithing builds up individual acquaintance with God.
It brings comradeship with the divine, which fosters
financial faith and a feeling of security. True
tithing is a prayer of thanksgiving and a means of
acknowledging God’s good. It is our part in the
fulfillment of the law of prosperity. In tithing we
sow seeds of prosperity, and the harvest is certain.
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