There are many admonitions in the Bible regarding tithing, but there is no more beautiful verse regarding it than the one found in Malachi (3:10): "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." To help us understand the true meaning of this verse, we have the spiritual definition of "tithe" as found in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. This definition in part is (p. 595): "Contribution; tenth part; homage; gratitude."

In further study of the verse from Malachi, let us consider it in three parts: first, the command to bring the tithes into the storehouse; second, the charge to test and to prove; and third, the benediction, the receiving of the great blessing, the opening of the very windows of heaven.

Turning to the spiritual definition of "tithe" in Science and Health, we learn that we are to bring into God's storehouse our contribution, our homage, our gratitude. Right here it should be pointed out that the concept of tithing as a tenth part is found only in the Old Testament and not at all in the New. Christ Jesus in his admonitions did not stop at the giving of a tenth part.

In the story of the widow's mite, Jesus said (Mark 12:44), "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." We are told that when he talked with the rich young man, who desired to know what he should do to inherit eternal life, Jesus beheld him and loved him and said unto him (Mark 10:21), "One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." At first glance these words of Jesus' may seem peremptory, but spiritually interpreted, they reveal that true giving cannot be limited in any degree. We cannot give a small contribution, a little homage, or slight gratitude to God. We must give in ever-increasing measure.

If we are to bring our spiritual offerings to the storehouse, is it not logical to assume that we are preserving these tithes for ourselves? God, who is the source of infinite abundance, needs nothing for Himself. Rather, He is providing continuously for His idea, man. Truly, we need never fear to give our gratitude. our homage, our contributions, without measure and without stint, for as someone has rightly said, "True giving is not giving up."

One may ask, "Why do I need to give gratitude to God when He is constantly giving all good to His creation and certainly withholds nothing?" The answer is simple. Since we seem to be dwelling in a human sense of things, we need constantly to lift our thought in gratitude to God that we may ever be conscious of God's perfection, which is the only reality. Each time we humbly recognize God's allness through expressing gratitude, we are that much closer to the recognition of our own true sonship. This is a continuing experience.

We may feel that we have nothing or very little to give with which to fill up the storehouse, nothing from which to draw. We can, however, draw constantly from an inexhaustible source, for Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies."

Active gratitude may express itself in very concrete forms, such as the giving of sufficient time each day to the study of the weekly Lesson-Sermon as outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly and to definite, consecrated prayer and meditation; the supporting of our loved church spiritually and financially, as we promised to do when we became members of a branch Church of Christ, Scientist; the giving joyfully of a proper proportion of our time to help run our churches by serving on local boards, on committees, and as ushers.

Through generous "first" giving we accept the challenge to test and to prove that the Lord of Hosts truly gives all to us. Perhaps it would be well for each one to ask himself, "Am I budgeting my time intelligently so that I am setting aside, first of all, sufficient time each day for a thorough study of the Lesson-Sermon, which was provided for us through the inspired vision of our Leader?" A careful examination of our daily experience may reveal precious hours wasted and energy misspent. Mrs. Eddy admonishes us in this regard when she says in "Miscellaneous Writings (p. 230). "Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much." Let us learn to put first things first in our lives.

A Christian Scientist had a rewarding experience with reference to financial support of the church. As a member of a branch church, it was her desire to make an individual contribution to the building fund, in addition to the family's support of the church. Each week she hoped there might be something left of her personal allowance, but as the weeks went by, she was not able to contribute. One day while pondering this problem she decided that instead of waiting to see what was left over each week, she would first set aside a sum, however small, in a special fund. This she did, and at the end of the year she was able to make a substantial contribution to the building fund of her church.

An interesting side light on the foregoing experience is that when the time came to make the contribution the Scientist was tempted to use the money for another purpose. She attempted to convince herself that inasmuch as the church was far from actual building, she could again save the amount and give it at a future time.

This specious argument was quickly dealt with, and later that same day when the decision was made and adhered to, her husband came home with the news of an unexpected bonus many times the amount of the contribution.

Each one can ask himself, "Am I accepting the Biblical challenge to test and to prove God's love and abundance, as required in the verse in Malachi?" Surely, as we devotedly use every avenue for giving and obediently express our highest individual concept of true tithing, then will the windows of heaven be opened and such a blessing will be poured out that "there shall not be room enough to receive it."