Elder Neil L. Andersen
Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk emphasizes the blessings that come from faithfully paying tithes and offerings to the Church. He shares stories and testimonies of individuals and families who have experienced the windows of heaven opening as they followed this divine commandment.
Prove Me Now Herewith
Elder Andersen discusses the principle of tithing, emphasizing that it is a matter of faith. He quotes Malachi 3:11, which promises blessings to those who pay their tithes faithfully. He encourages trust in the Lord’s timing for these blessings to manifest.
“With all the Lord gives to us, He has asked us to return to Him and His kingdom on earth 10 percent of our increase. He has promised us that as we are honest in our tithes, He will ‘open … the windows of heaven, and pour … out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ He has promised us that He will protect us from evil.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Malachi 3:11: “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground.”
A Matter of Faith
Elder Andersen explains that tithing is not just about money but a matter of faith and putting the Lord first in our lives. He highlights the importance of obeying the law of tithing and its role in demonstrating our faith in God.
“The world speaks of tithing in terms of our money, but the sacred law of tithing is principally a matter of our faith. Being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives, above our own cares and interests.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 22:21: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”
- D&C 119:4: “And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually.”
The Lord’s Sacred Funds
Elder Andersen explains that tithing belongs to the Lord, and Church leaders are accountable to Him for its use. He emphasizes the sacred nature of this stewardship and quotes President Gordon B. Hinckley regarding the consecration of tithes and offerings to the Lord.
“From the generous tithes and offerings you have consecrated to the Lord, last year more than a billion US dollars were used to bless those in need.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- D&C 42:30-33: Teachings on consecration.
- D&C 72:8-10: More teachings on consecration.
Blessings Come in Many Ways
Elder Andersen shares stories of individuals and families who experienced the blessings of tithing, both materially and spiritually. He emphasizes that these blessings come from trusting in the Lord, rather than the amount of money contributed.
“The spiritual power of the divine law of tithing is not measured by the amount of money contributed, for both the prosperous and the poor are commanded by the Lord to contribute 10 percent of their income. The power comes from placing our trust in the Lord.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters.”
- D&C 104:14-15: “All that you do with the surplus … shall be done … to enable the poor to put in their crops.”
God’s Important Work
Elder Andersen testifies of the importance of the work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its continued growth and impact across the world. He quotes President Russell M. Nelson’s prophecy about the manifestations of the Savior’s power.
“You and I are part of God’s important work upon the earth. It will not come to naught but will continue to move across the world, preparing the way for the Savior’s return.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Acts 5:38-39: “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
- D&C 84:119: “For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people.”
Calls to Action
- Trust in the Lord, the blessings of heaven will follow.
- Pay an honest tithe and consecrate your offerings to the Lord.
- Remember that the Church’s work is important and will continue to move across the world, preparing the way for the Savior’s return.