Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. (Col. 1:21)

I REMEMBER the first time I started tithing. Man, was it scary. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay all my bills given this new commitment to give at least 10 percent back to the church and more importantly to God, but I was serious about God having control over everything, including my bank account. Years later I struggle to consider a paycheck or a month where tithing is not automatically one of the first things I do. It’s amazing what can happen when your heart is transformed and you operate in obedience.

Paul here reminded the church at Colossae how they were not originally included, how they were foreigners and even aliens to God’s promises. He gave them the bad news, but then recalled some good news: Jesus’ finished work on the cross reconciled them with God, making them able to stand firm on his work, not their own.

At one time in my life, tithing came with a level of fear, but now I do it not out of obligation, but obedience mixed with both joy and faith. Is there something in your life right now that has a shroud of fear or the paralysis of analysis where you need a nudge from the Spirit? May you be reminded that you don’t have to live in fear anymore, but with power, love, and a sound mind.

Put your fears at the foot of the cross and leave them there.

Santes Beatty is director of multiethnic ministries for The Wesleyan Church.

 © 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.