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There are several “one” things in the Bible, which if we make a priority in life, these will help give us focus in our pursuits and clarity in decisions. We will look at some of these “one” things in the Bible.
One Hour (Honoring God with our time)
The Bible does not specifically state how much time we need to spend in prayer or in seeking God each day. Essentially, we are encouraged to do it daily and without ceasing
The Lord Jesus is our ultimate example and model in how to live the Christian life. We see Him taking time away to be alone with the Father often. Sometimes He spent the entire night in prayer with the Father.
We see Jesus model for us something very significant. In the most challenging moment of His earthly life, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He invites His disciples to stand with Him in prayer for just one hour –one hour at a time:
One Day (Honoring God with our work week)
Setting aside ONE DAY in a week, where the primary focus is to rest and be renewed/refreshed spiritually.
We see the Lord God doing this in the very beginning. He rested on the seventh day. Genesis 2:2,3
He taught His people to do the same under the Old Covenant by ordaining the Sabbath. Now in the New Testament, we do not observe the Sabbath, per se, in the same manner the Jewish people did (or still do).
One Tenth (Honoring God with our money)
God has taught us in His Word the importance of honoring Him with our money. Of course, God does not need our money. Giving to God is not for His benefit – but for our benefit, so that we demonstrate in real and practical ways that the Lord our God reigns in us even in this area of our lives.
One of the ways God has taught us to give is by giving to the work of His house our tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8-12
8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts;
12 And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land," Says the LORD of hosts.
Q: is giving the tithe a New Testament practice? Was it not something to be done in the Old Covenant only?
Abraham tithed (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob tithed (Genesis 28:22), well before the Old Covenant came in force. Centuries later tithing was established as part of the Mosaic law (Leviticus 27:30-32) and detailed instructions given on how the tithe was to be used under the Mosaic law. However, the point to be understood – is that tithing is an act of faith and dependence on God, rather than a work of the Law.
Jesus acknowledged and encouraged tithing (Matthew 23:23).
The writer of Hebrews indicates that Abraham gave tithes to one who was 'eternal', i.e. Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:4-10). Melchizedek is a type of the true eternal Priest, who continues forever with an unchangeable priesthood - Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:21,24). Today, we are Abraham’s spiritual seed. When we give tithes we are giving it to the true eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Q: must I give my tithe to the local church?
The Bible does not state an answer to this question in definite terms.
The giving of the tithe is an expression of our dependence and thankfulness to the Lord, to support the ministry that took place in the Lord’s House, to help those who do not have what we have. Malachi 3, indicates that all the tithe is to be brought to the Lord’s house. So we can only suggest that you give your tithe to your local church where you receive your spiritual nourishment and support and whose vision you are part of. I don’t think God will get angry with you if you do otherwise – but this is what we suggest. Do as the Lord speaks to you.
Q: can I divide my tithe and give part in one place and other parts in other places?
From what we understand the whole tithe was to be brought to the house of the Lord, from where it was distributed. Abraham gave all the tithe to Melchizedek. Here again, we can only suggest that you give all your tithe to the Lord’s house. Again, we do not think that God would be angry if you chose to do otherwise. Do as the Lord speaks to you.
Q: what if I cannot afford to give my tithe – due to expenses, debts, etc.?
Work towards coming to a place where you can do this. You can adjust your expenses so that you can afford to give. You can work out a plan on paying off your debts and avoid making any new purchases until such time. Make it a habit to set aside your tithe first, along with some offerings, and then plan out the rest of your expenses, etc. Remember, the tithe is just the minimum. Give offerings over and above your tithe and honor God in all other areas as well.
One Thing (Honoring God with our heart)
Psalm 27:4
One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
We must have one consuming passion on our hearts – the Lord Himself.
He must be uppermost in our lives.
One Mind (Honoring God with our attitude)
Lastly, it is so important for us as a Body of believers to be on ONE MIND.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
This does not mean that we will all be absolutely the same in every way – Xerox copies of each other.
This will not happen.
Instead we are a people who appreciate each others differences and are able to flow together in the same spirit of faith and passion for God, for purity, for power, for seeing His Kingdom released here on earth.
Don’t criticize a fellow believer who is different from you.
Don’t fight what you don’t understand.
When we are a people of ONE MIND, there is no limit to what we can accomplish in and through our God.
1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (if time permits can read and expound on this passage).
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