Tithing: The Unexpected Key That Transformed My Business and My Life
I was raised in a Christian home with Christian values. I always believed in God, respected His Word, and tried to do the right thing. But I’ll admit—when it came to tithing, I wasn’t always consistent. It wasn’t that I didn’t love God—it’s just that I didn’t fully understand the heart behind it.
Several years ago, I was invited to speak at an event. Afterward, during a casual Q&A, a small group gathered to ask me questions—mostly about real estate, marketing, or building a successful business. One gentleman asked,
“What’s the number one thing you believe transformed your business?”
I paused. I knew the answer, but I also knew it wasn’t what they were expecting. I smiled and said, “Tithing.”
Cue the awkward silence.
Some faces looked confused. Others looked like they wanted to pivot the conversation quickly. But a few smiled with understanding. That moment reminded me that truth doesn’t always land with applause—but it always lands with power.
And for me, tithing—the simple but radical decision to give God the first portion of my income—has been the single most transformative thing I’ve ever done in both my business and my personal walk with Christ.
“We Can’t Afford Not to Tithe”
I’ll be honest: I didn’t grow up with a deep understanding of biblical stewardship. I believed in God. I loved Him. But tithing? That felt like a stretch—especially when finances were tight.
In the early 2000s, my wife Angie—who has always been the rock of our faith—approached me with conviction in her eyes and said,
“You need to start tithing.”
I gave her the typical answer:
“We can’t afford to tithe.”
Without hesitation, she responded with words I’ll never forget:
“We can’t afford not to tithe.”
If you know Angie, you know this isn’t surprising. Her faithfulness to Christ is unwavering. She doesn’t just believe in God—she walks with Him. Daily. Boldly. Quietly. Faithfully.
She has always been the spiritual thermostat in our home. In fact, in the early days of our marriage, Angie was the spiritual leader. While I was building a business and chasing goals, she was building an unshakeable foundation of faith beneath our family. I don’t know what I would do without her.
A Book, A Check, and a Lesson in Trust
Angie’s conviction led me to read The Blessed Life. That book flipped a switch in me.
“The tithe is the Lord’s. That’s not generosity. That’s returning to God what already belongs to Him.”
It was the first time I understood that tithing wasn’t about giving something away—it was about returning to God what was already His.
So I took a step of faith.
I tithed off one of my real estate commission checks. That month, we were already about $1,100 short on our bills. But I gave anyway.
And then, about a week later, I received a referral check for $2,200—completely unexpected. I had no idea it was coming.
That moment was a spiritual line in the sand. I had tested God—not arrogantly, but with trembling faith—and He showed up.
Why I Love the Life.Church Tithe Challenge
As someone who attends Life.Church, one of the things I deeply appreciate is their Tithe Challenge. It’s not a gimmick—it’s a powerful invitation for people to trust God in a tangible way.
If you’re unfamiliar, Life.Church encourages people to try tithing for 3 months. If God doesn’t show up and bless you, they’ll refund your tithe—no questions asked. It’s not about the money. It’s about trust.
That challenge represents everything tithing has meant in my life: a bold step of faith backed by the promises of God. And let me tell you—I’ve never seen anyone regret trying it.
I love this challenge because it mirrors my own experience. I didn’t fully understand it when I started, but I had just enough faith to take the first step. And that step led to blessing, not just financially—but spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Living by First Fruits
Since that day, I’ve never looked back. Tithing became non-negotiable. God gets my first, every time.
And I can’t tell you how many times God has provided in ways I couldn’t have orchestrated or predicted. It’s not always immediate, but it’s always timely. Tithing doesn’t mean every month is easy—but it means every month is covered.
And more importantly, it keeps my heart aligned. In this business, it’s easy to start trusting commissions more than Christ. But tithing recalibrates my soul. It reminds me that I’m not the source—I’m just a steward.
It also changed how I lead my business, how I treat people, and how I measure success. Tithing created a ripple effect of obedience in other areas of my life.
Angie: My Faithful Partner
Let me say this again: None of this would’ve happened without Angie’s quiet, consistent faith.
Those who know her know exactly what I mean. She doesn’t chase applause. She doesn’t need attention. She just loves Jesus with her whole heart—and she lives it out in every conversation, every decision, and every prayer whispered over our family.
She always puts Christ first. Always.
I often tell people that I married up—and this is one of the clearest reasons why. Angie’s faith is the kind that moves mountains. And I’m forever grateful for the way she lovingly pushed me to trust God fully—not just with my heart, but with my finances too.
Scriptures That Changed Everything
Malachi 3:10
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven…”
Proverbs 3:9–10
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing..."
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..."
2 Corinthians 9:7–8
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly..."
Final Thoughts (Not Preaching—Just Sharing)
I’m not here to lecture or guilt anyone. I’m just sharing what happened to me—the honest answer I gave when someone asked what transformed my business.
It wasn’t marketing. It wasn’t branding. It was tithing.
Because when you honor God with the first, He blesses the rest.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in life and business. But choosing to tithe? That was one of the wisest moves I’ve ever made. And it all started with my wife’s simple but powerful words:
“We can’t afford not to tithe.”
So if you’re on the fence, here’s my encouragement: Try it. Trust Him. Give Him your first and best. And watch what happens.
Wyatt Poindexter - The Agency
405-417-5466
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www.WyattPoindexter.com
