tithing irresponsibly
Posted by Chris on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008
Can you tithe irresponsibly?
So I’ve been thinking recently about this. I’m pretty sure I know the answer to my own question. But I thought I would post it on here to see what you thought. A few months ago I had listened to two message series on giving, etc. Since listening to those messages I have been challenged to give regularly and consistently. Not only that but also giving to the point it “hurts”. I think I personally am doing that. And its been “hurting” a bit. But I guess my question is can you give in such a way that is irresponsible. I mean I think its obviously so if your putting each and every paycheck in the plate as it goes by. But can we give enough each week that its done so that it doesn’t allow us to take care of what we need to take care of? I don’t think you can out give God, or under give Him either. But perhaps its just my flesh thats telling me I’m being stupid and irresponsible - that I can’t “rely” on God to meet my needs. That if I’d keep that money I’d probably be alright. Its been a struggle for me the past couple months. I’m trusting the Lord to provide.
2Cr 9:7 Each one {must do} just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2Cr 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
What do you think?
Filed in random thoughts, spiritual application |
I think this is a good question to ask. God is not so concerned with the amount that you give as He is concerned with the motive in which you are giving, or not giving. If you decide not to give so much our of greed then that is wrong. However if you give and cant take care of your necessities is that right?
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Pr. 11:24-25 ESV)
This is a good questions because Jesus had so much to say about money. I think you need to make sure that you keep good records of your finances so you know where your money is going and on what.
Then you need to budget your money. You budget in order to give more to God. Proverbs 21:5
You need to save for the future a foolish man spends all he has proverbs 21:20
You need to Give Some people say 10 percent based on Malachi 3:10 but I think it is what God has laid on your heart. Your the only one that can answer what you should give because God lays it on your heart what to give and not on anyone else’s what you should give. Regardless of what it is you should give it to God first and foremost because it is His.
I am sure some wont agree with this but this was my quick 10 minute take. Suppose I could put more thought into it also not sure if you have heard of Dave Ramsey but here is a link to something I am getting ready to start it is pretty good stuff https://fpuonline.daveramsey.com/
I heard a sermon on this once that absolutely floored me.
I’d heard all my life to “tithe 10% - and if you could do above that, great!”.
Then, I got married and was living less than paycheck to paycheck - giving no tithes. That’s when I heard this sermon.
This minister is a marriage therapist (I think that’s why he has such good insight on this), as well as Senior Pastor. He preached that the first thing was to “owe no man anything” (Rom. 13:8). Then, as it becomes less of a struggle to “just pay the bills”, give more. Use specific opportunities to “give til it hurts” - not every week. If you do that every week, you’ll end up right back where you were - living less than hand to mouth.
Hope this helps. =)