Truth Minute: Should I “Pay Tithes from My Stimulus Check?
LOL! Well, what some think is controversial about this isnt really controversial at all. HOWEVER, it is a question many have been asked not only in regard to this but also tax returns and other windfalls, so here is my thoughts on this.
First, messaging (as you can see with all news conferences lately) is important…that’s why the word “tithing” is troublesome to many…so instead of the gaslighting that happens from 1. People who are selfish or 2. People who don’t go to church or watch church online and deem the church as non-essential…Just give according to your budget and what you CAN commit to consistently… Traditional 10% Tithing is just a guide, and there is NO law for or against it biblically…so to folk that have the “collection” plate or “paying tithe” mindset, like it’s a dreaded/mandatory bill you would rather not have, I say, KEEP YOUR MONEY…that attitude will bring grief (due to constant begrudging, resentment and complaining) to your household and to those who find out that you are not really a giving (love one another) person in whatever local assembly you are a part of…But, for those that WANT to, out of the LOVE they have in their hearts, they will give from whatever increase they have, and do so happily…that’s the type of financial support I want, and while our ministry has had its challenges, the “give out of LOVE approach” has been working for almost a decade.
Practically speaking, instead of forcing the issue with those that don’t have but “try their best to give” how about teaching those that “do have” to budget correctly and set an amount they can contribute and hold them accountable for it. If you “are the church” then giving should never be an issue…BUT IF IT IS…then you are {ahem) they type of church folk have: 1. Integrity issues (see Ananias and Saphirra) 2. Greed/Selfishness issue (see the rich young ruler or the Rich man with bigger barns) or a Poverty Mindset (Man by the Pool of Bethesda). For the record, a poverty mindset is not based on how much you have in the bank but having an invest-little-get-much or looking for the best for FREE without reciprocity approach to getting money and resources.
Being generous for some is second nature…for others it does take sound teaching, equipping and accountability. (i.e., Greed and selfishness aren’t glamorous sins but still deadly to the soul and must be addressed in believers who have those weaknesses.)
P.S. Give! The Church, as you “say”, are a part of, needs it!
