By Nita Wilkinson

Faith Editor

Leviticus 27:30 - A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. (ESV)

Pinky swears are a ritual between two friends that link their pinky fingers around each other to pledge a secret. For generations, little girls have linked pinkies to seal a promise. It's a simple ritual that says, "I'll keep my word, and I trust you'll keep yours.”

Leviticus 27 culminates a book of laws and sacrifices meant to set God's people apart with regulations necessary to redeem what is the Lord's.

Little girls have pinkie swears to share their important promises. Similarly and more importantly, God has expectations for His people. He has kept His word to them and expects them to do the same. He takes our promises seriously because He keeps His.

The Israelites could voluntarily dedicate a person, an animal or property to the Lord through a vow. Once made, however, that vow was binding.

At the end of Leviticus 27, God also speaks about tithes. Unlike voluntary vows, the tithe belonged to Him. Grain, fruit and every tenth animal from the flock were set apart as holy because everything the people possessed had first come from God's hand.

There is nothing in the New Testament that requires a tithe for those of us today. However, in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, we see that genuine Christian stewardship is given in the spirit of grace and enthusiasm. The Macedonians gave beyond their meager means. They also faced some persecution, making their generosity exceed Paul's expectations.

If a pinky swear is a promise, becoming "blood sisters" is an even deeper commitment. Two girls prick their fingers and mingle a drop of blood as a symbol that they're giving something of themselves to one another.

No, there isn't mandated tithing in the New Testament, but this beautiful example of stewardship shows the unselfishness of a battered community giving beyond their means. Like those childhood rituals that symbolize giving something of yourself, the Macedonians' generosity cost them something. Their gift wasn't measured by its size but by the willing hearts behind it.

God has never wanted reluctant obedience. He has always wanted willing hearts. Whether we're keeping a promise, serving a neighbor or opening our wallets, He's after the same thing He's always been after, not what leaves our hands, but what fills our hearts. ■