The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast
Elder James E. Faust, from remarks delivered at a Ricks College devotional assembly 6 September 1983:
I have come to believe that while tithing is a money law, it is more a law of faith and obedience. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said:
“In faith we plant the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming. Men have often misunderstood and have reversed the process. They would have the harvest before the planting, the reward before the service, the miracle before the faith. Even the most demanding labor unions would hardly ask the wages before the labor. But many of us would have the vigor without the observance of the health laws, prosperity through the opened windows of heaven without the payment of our tithes. We would have the close communion with our Father without fasting and praying; we would have rain in due season and peace in the land without observing the Sabbath and keeping the other commandments of the Lord. We would pluck the rose before planting the roots; we would harvest the grain before its planting and cultivating.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1952, p. 47.)
In order to know when to do the best things in the worst times, President Joseph F. Smith has counseled:
“One of the best ways that I know of to pay my obligations to my brother, my neighbor or business associate, is for me first to pay my obligations to the Lord. I can pay more of my debts to my neighbors, if I have contracted them, after I have met my honest obligations with the Lord, than I can by neglecting the latter; and you can do the same. If you desire to prosper, and to be free men and women and a free people, first meet your just obligations to God, and then meet your obligations to your fellowmen.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1903, p. 2.)
Meeting our obligations to God, and then meeting our obligations to others, is the best thing to do in all times, good or bad.
I am grateful that the law of tithing, like the other principles of the gospel, is not compulsory. I am grateful to the Lord for his wisdom in making the law simple: one-tenth of our increase. I am also grateful that over the years the Brethren have not made interpretations of that simple law. The law of tithing is not like the law of the Medes and the Persians, filled with technicalities which would take away the simplicity of it.
OVERVIEW:
The Lord has commanded us to pay tithing. He has promised great blessings to those who obey this commandment. The Lord has commanded us to fast and to pay generous fast offerings.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 17.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine Tagged: | Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fast, Gospel Doctrine, LDS, Mormon, Religion, Tithing
