Tithing, Do you?

A sidebar discussion in the televangelists thread brought up this question for me.

This is a moral dilemna I have had for years. I know we are to lay aside a tithe (10%) from the firstfruits of our labors.

However, we have 4 children and an income that can't accomodate that many people. There have been times we didn't have the money to cover basic needs.

I never was certain what I was supposed to do there. Give the tithe and tell the gas company - sorry. Work on faith that something will magicaly come through? Or was that a time I should have been given the support of my Christian family to make it through?

I posed this to a minister once who had no answer for me.

Biblically, the early church was told to pool together their resources for the good of the community. Imagine that happening in any mainstream denomination today!

So, do you tithe? What have you done in situations on lean times? Any thoughts on the subject you'd like to share.

Elspeth, I'm in basically the same situation you are. My wife and I both work, but the money barely covers the bills with not much left over for luxuries. My wife was tithing, but quit a while back after a major disagreement with our pastor (who has since left for another church). I have friends in church who tithe regardless, and I don't see how they make it. One family has 6 kids, another has 5 with only one income. I just checked my budget and after paying bills this week, I will have about $75 left for gas and incidentals until the next payday.

Having said that, I have recently had a strong feeling that many of the problems I've been having are because I'm not doing what God is telling me to do (including tithing). It's very hard for me to submit to Him, because I'm a stubborn man, and a believer in personal responsibility. "If it is to be, it's up to me", and all that. I just have trouble letting go of it all and giving it to Him.

Here is what I did while I was still a Christian.


I never tithed, I saw everyone's money going to build the million dollar mansion for the pastor, and it made sense why he always stressed giving AT LEAST 10% to the church.

I did (and still do) give. However, it is on my terms. I will donate to a charity of my choosing, or I will donate my time to a worthy cause. I do not believe that one has to write a check for 10% of their income to their church.

Also, do you think any benevolent deity would want you to go without basic necessities? I don't.

Elspeth

I do believe that God wants 10% of our first fruits but I do not believe that it necesarily means to any particular (i.e. home church) I am with Raven Wing I don't want the money that I give for God's service going so that the Paster can have a more affluent lifestyle than the people in the Church.

It is a stretch of faith to give the money when money is tight or the time with the same issue. I would simply pray about it (i'm sure you already are) and see what happens. Where God guides God provides.

Peace

Mikel

The guidelines for where I'm at say 10% of pretax earnings which is to be applied 5% church, 1% diocese and 4% other charity. At least I think that's how they suggest splitting it up. The actuality is that I think at best, I'll hit 6% of my post-tax earnings to the church. If I'm ever hit up for a charity, I'm usually good for 20 bucks. My wife does a donation through work to the United Way but I'm not sure what percent, fairly low I believe. I know and accept that I should be more generous in sharing the blessings I've been given (of which are many and I really do appreciate them). Just one of many struggles in mine and sounds like everyone's life.

Well said ma'am.

In the day when the church was the center of the community.( Mainly rural locations) Yes, to help support the minister, and the parsonage(sp) In that day and age, the religious leader was part of everyones 'family'.
But in todays society....... I don't believe so.....

Hey I am going to look it up in the bible and see what it says for you, be back soon!

Malachi in the Old Testament is where tithing is talked about

Tithing

At no time were the first century Christains commanded to pay tithes. The primary purpose of the tithing arrangement under the law had been to support Isreals temple and preisthood; consequently the obligation to pay tithes would cease when that Mosaic Law covenant came to an end as fillfilled, through Christs death on the torture stake--or cross It is true that Levitical priests continued serving at the temple in Jurusalem untill it was destroyed in 70 C.E., but Christains from and after 33 C.E. became part of a new spiritual priesthood that was not supported by Tithes.

Col 2:13, 14
Ro. 6:14
Heb 7:12 these pretty much talk about not being under the law, the Mosaic Law and because of that we dont have to pay the tithing.

But I am sure you would want to give what you can to support your place of worship. As do we. At the Kingdom Hall not even plates are passed around, there are some boxes that you can donate to but it is to help out with utlities, materials for buliding new halls and things that are needed. Give what you can, that is worth a lot!
Hope this helps

I try to give 10% every Sunday but some weeks are leaner then others and I don't give what I should. I think God will honor what you can give even if it a little. I know it is hard for me to let go and tithe what I should. I know God would take care of all of my financial needs if I gave 10% when I did not have it but the rational side of me says don't because bills need to be paid.

Work in progress.

Is it difficult to get these type of stains out of your cloths??

How are you today Raven

just wondering how to get these stains out

God says to be a "cheerful giver." To give out of your heart and not out of a begrudging attitude. Lately, we have been short on money and I have not tithed at all. My husband is very legalistic about this issue, but I begrudge having to give to the church when I worry about whether I can make my house payment or not. I know God doesn't want that attitude from me! And yet I see that God still continues to provide for our needs whether I tithe or not, but I would like to go back to tithing very much.........but those bills! It is like Elspeth said. Do I pay the water bill or do I tithe instead? I think it is an individual thing and something between that person and God, not for anybody else to decide or judge.

One thing that has been helpful for me is that the words 'give of time and talents 'are used often at my church. I don't have money to give, but I do quite a bit. I have written different dramas, worked with chidren, been involved in music programs, served on committees, etc. and etc. I know I am not giving monetarily like I should, but I do share of my abilities in everyway I know how.

It is hard. Definately a work in progress.