“If everyone shared your view there would be no churches or pastors to lead them and help those in need. God loves a cheerful giver, so I don’t think he really wants your money anyway...at least not right now.”
Well said, and I might add, God doesn’t NEED their money either. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and His kingdom will be advanced whether any given individual chooses to participate or not.
That said, as a Bible-believing Christian, it seems to me that tithing was practiced even before the Mosaic law. Look at Abraham, who gave 10% to the high priest Melchizidek. Although not commanded in the New Testament, the idea of giving generously verses sparingly is certainly supported.
In my experience, tithing is the best financial decision my wife and I ever made. When we finally decided to do it regularly about 12 years ago, our finances turned around dramatically. Our income today is actually less than it was 15 years ago, but somehow God has seen us through it and at the end of the day, we still have more than enough money to meet our needs.
I think tithing is an expression of faith and submission to God that God will reward. Many Christians don’t practice it cause they obviously don’t see it that way. They only look at the momentary monetary sacrifice, and not at the fact that God is in control of ALL circumstances and can works things out so that you have fewer expenses/more income in the future if you’re faithful in this practice.
Bottom line-I guess it really comes down to faith in God. Either a person has it or they don’t. Tithing is just one of the ways to show you truly do trust in Him.
lquist1: “Tithing is just one of the ways to show you truly do trust in Him.”
I’m not going to disagree with that. Again, my point isn’t that giving money to the church is wrong. You felt compelled to do so. Who am I to tell you otherwise? What I am saying is that people who tithe shouldn’t attempt to place that burden on others (not saying you did). Guilt tripping your brother or sister in Christ because they aren’t giving a certain percentage of income to the church, especially when they can give in so many different ways (per scripture), is wrong.