Tithing—Putting God First
By Elder Jorge T. Becerra
Of the Seventy
I recall a powerful experience I had many years ago that taught me how to put God first in my life. As a young married father, I was called to serve in a branch presidency. Elder Clinton L. Cutler of the Seventy came to speak to our branch. After the meeting, I had an opportunity to talk with him.
Sensing that I had something on my mind, he asked, “Is there something bothering you?”
“Yes,” I replied, “I am having financial difficulties in my business. I have fallen behind in my payment of tithes and offerings.”
He then asked, “Do you have anything of value?”
I don’t recall what else he said. I pondered his question for many days. The only thing I had of value was a car that I needed in my efforts to grow my business. However, I concluded that I should at least make an effort to sell my car, so I cleaned and polished it and placed an ad to sell it.
I want to be clear that Elder Cutler did not ask me to sell my car. This came to me after pondering and desiring to put God first.
A few days later, a man came to the house to see the car. He seemed interested; he drove it and came back to discuss the details. He gave me his business card, and I realized he represented a car dealership. I was nervous about what would surely happen next—the haggling back and forth over the price.
He asked me, “How much do you want for the car?”
I told him I needed a precise amount. I had calculated what I needed to pay off the loan on the car and pay my tithing.
He then said very calmly, “OK, I will come back in a few days with a check.”
He thanked me and left. I could not believe it. No arguing, no haggling, no negotiating.
A few days later, he came back with a check for the amount I had requested. I was surprised and amazed as he drove off with the car. I deposited the check and paid my tithing.
As I contemplated what had occurred, I realized that I did not have a car to continue with my business. While I was thinking about what to do, a friend called me and said, “Jorge, you like my car, don’t you?” At that point I would have liked any car! He reminded me that his wife was having twins and that he needed to buy a larger vehicle and wondered if I would be willing to take over his car payments. It was a miracle!
