BRING ye all the tithes into the storehouse," says the prophet Malachi. The demand is for that which is justly due. The prophet begins his exhortation, contained in the third chapter of the book of Malachi, by speaking of the coming of the Christ. He shows the people how their divided, disloyal, and ignorant worship of God had resulted in many troubles and difficulties, and indicates how, by such lukewarm and ineffectual service as they had offered, they had withheld the tithes due to Him. He then tells of the joyous results to follow the manifestation of the Christ, and the blessings which should reward their understanding of him, their consecrated service, and their righteous acknowledgment of God. Thus, in the words quoted above, the prophet impresses upon his hearers that no least portion of that which is due as a thank offering and recognition of mercies received, is to be withheld if they would look for a realization of the divine blessing.
That which is demanded of each one of God's children is consecrated service and obedience; or, as our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, defines the word "tithe" in part in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p.595), "homage; gratitude." We must consecrate all our endeavors to God's service; all our ability, our trust, our love. To bring our tithes into the storehouse is to give that loving service to God which is the proof of our trust and confidence in Him, an acknowledgment of our oneness with God, seeing that the spiritual man has his origin and continuity in God and depends solely on God. Man has no other creator, provider, or protector than God. Once this is seen, the bringing in of all our tithes, the consecration that is due to Him, becomes a natural recognition of divine omnipotence and an act of loving gratitude.
Some may ask doubtingly: What tithe have I to bring? And where and how can I bring it? The expression of love may be said to include all tithes, for every effort, nay, each dawning desire to give help to another, has its origin in the consciousness of God's love for us and of our love for Him; and its expression lies in the affection and kindness we show to all. It is not necessary to journey far in order to lay this tithe in the storehouse of our heavenly Father. In our home, in whatever spot we may be at the moment, is God's storehouse; and now is the time to make our contribution of love, that home may be filled with the joy and peace which cannot fail to bless this effort. Then there will be no room for discontent, grumbling, resentment, irritation, hurry, anxiety, sorrow, loneliness, and the like. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, . . . seeketh not her own." Love fills all space; and in giving love in the simplest action, the most humble task is glorified and is shown to be a grateful service to Him. So this beautiful tithe brings the promised reward, "a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
