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- [00:03]
Sister
Welcome to follow him. Favorites this is where John and I are sharing a story to go with each week's lesson. John the lesson this week is on sections 115 through 120. Section 119 is on tithing. I wanted to share a story with you. It was told by President Gordon B. Hinckley way back in 2002. I'm going to quote from President Hinckley here and then tell part of the story. He says, I want to tell you a story of a woman in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She works while going to school to provide for her family. He then says, I'm going to quote from her. She says, quote the university in which I studied had a regulation that prohibited the students that were in debt from taking tests. For this reason, when I received my salary, I would first separate the money for tithing and offerings and then the remainder I would pay for school and other expenses. I remember a time when I faced serious financial difficulty. It was a Thursday when I received my salary or paycheck. When I figured the monthly budget, I noticed there would not be enough to pay both my tithing and my university fees or tuition. I would have to choose. The bi monthly tests would start the following week. And if I didn't take the test right, she can't take the test if she hasn't paid. I would lose the whole school year. I felt great agony. My heart ached. I had a painful decision before me and I didn't know what to do. She said I had this choice. Would I pay my tithing and risk the possibility of not getting the credit for school? She said the feeling consumed my soul and remained with me till Saturday. It was then that I remembered that when I was baptized, I had agreed to live the law of tithing. I had taken upon myself this obligation not with the missionaries, but with my Heavenly Father. At that moment the anguish disappeared, giving place to a pleasant sensation of tranquility and determination. That night I prayed. I asked Heavenly Father to forgive me for my indecision. On Sunday, before the beginning of sacrament meeting, I contacted the bishop and with great pleasure I paid my tithes and offerings. That was a special day. I felt happy and peaceful within myself and with Heavenly Father. Now John, I like that part. I liked what she said said there because even if nothing happens, she says, I'm happy, I'm at peace. Even if something doesn't turn out. Let's say she loses those credits. I like what she says there. The next day I was in my office. I tried to find a way to be able to take the test that would begin on Wednesday. So it's a Monday. The more I thought, the further I felt from the solution. At the time, I worked in an attorney's office. And my employer was the most strict and austere person I had ever met. Not like John, by the way. Think the exact opposite of John, by the way, and you have the ornery, strict, angry employer. The working period was ending when my employer approached and gave the last orders of the day. When he had done so, with his briefcase in his hand, he said goodbye. Suddenly, he stopped. He looked at me and asked, how is college? I was surprised, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The only thing I could answer with my trembling voice was, everything is good. He looked thoughtfully at me and said goodbye again. Suddenly, the secretary entered the room saying that I was a very fortunate person. I asked her why. She said, oh, the employer just told me that from today on, the company is going to pay fully for your college and books. Before you leave, stop at my desk and inform me of all the costs. So tomorrow I can give you the check.
- [03:46]
John
Amazing.
- [03:48]
Sister
She left. I started crying. And feeling very humble, I knelt exactly where I was to thank the Lord for his generosity. This is my favorite part. Listen to this, John. I told Heavenly Father he didn't need to bless me so much.
- [04:05]
John
I don't think I've ever said that.
- [04:07]
Sister
Yeah, like, it's okay. This is what she says. I only needed the cost of one month. And the tithing I paid on Sunday was very small compared to the amount that I was receiving during the prayer. The words recorded in Malachi came to my mind. Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts. If I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Up to that moment, I had never felt the magnitude of the promise contained in that scripture. And this commandment was truly a witness of the love that God, our Heavenly Father, gives to his children here on earth. Earth. Then President Hinckley says, faith is the very fiber that gives strength to this work. Isn't that beautiful?
- [04:54]
John
It's a great. Thank you, sister. In Brazil, there isn't just one story like that. There's hundreds of stories like that of people taking that Malachi promise seriously. Prove me now. Here with. And just watch.
- [05:09]
Sister
Yeah. John, we truly believe in this church that tithing blesses the tithe payer. The Lord is saying, I don't need tithing. You need tithing. And I'll tell you what? For me? I need that check on my life every month. No pun intended, but I do need the check on my life every month. It's a continual thing that can creep up on me. The Lord needs to ask me every month, do you love me more than these? Yes. Do you still love me more than these? Sometimes I'm like, and my wife grabs the check and says, yes, we do.
- [05:45]
John
Yes, we need it. For some people, this might sound strange, but I feel like tithing is one of the easier commandments because it's just some simple math. You just do it right off. I have a testimony of it, too. I need the blessings. And it's always worked just fine.
- [06:00]
Sister
Yep, I think so. When the Lord looked at Peter and said, do you love me more than that? Do you love me more than those fish? I do. I do love you. We hope you'll join us on our full podcast. It's called Follow Him. You can get it wherever you get podcasts. We are with Dr. Alex Baugh in sections 1 through 15 through 120. Nobody knows the history of the church like Alex Baugh, so you'll want to join us for that. And then come back here next week. We'll do another Follow him favorites.