As “Christians” we usually give that 10% tithe, but what about that extra stuff. We say “Oh, I want that 108″ 1080p Sharp LCD tv with the blue ray player and the Nakamichi Surround Sound, and in 2 weeks I’m gonna buy a Platinum Plus RV, and in another 2 weeks I’ll buy a castle with a mote that comes with my own personal llama, and in another month I’m gonna buy that Bugatti Veyron 16 I always wanted.”(Or something like that). Or maybe it’s less extreme for you… Maybe it’s your wardrobe. Maybe you have enough clothes in your closet to keep every single homeless person warm this winter, and you still keep buying new clothes. Wait a second here….At what point are we supposed to stop buying everything in the world and give an offering? -An offering that will help churches and organizations reach farther into the surrounding community than a 10% tithe can go. And I know the kind of answers I’m probably gonna get for this post, “Well, just listen to God and give when He tells you to.”– So, does that mean we shouldn’t give extra money if we don’t hear from God telling us to give an offering?
I work hard to listen to the opportunities he presents us. We usually choose others first. But we're not 100% "there" yet. God is still doing His work!
As you said you probably know what to expect in our comments. As an unemployed college student, I definitely have tried to find other venues…there's always a way if you really care. It's not just about giving money just because you have it. I'm learning it's so much more..it's about investing time, and actually caring about what you support. Honestly, there's so many ways we can give…go find a legit charity (i.e. charity water), go help a local soup kitchen..I think these things are also a representation of "an offering." And yes, give tithes because it's biblical..but don't do these things out of obligation or show because then they become meaningless. It's about the heart..give what you can with a cheerful heart, having faith, knowing that God will provide all your needs. I think what challenged me is reading Francis Chan's, "Crazy Love". I think one thing that stuck out was how "rich" we are compared to others, especially on an international scale. Oh, and if we don't hear God telling us to give more, then 1. we have something stuck in ears, and we need to open our eyes and 2. we are not seeing how much we actually can do, and that it is not purely money based.
I agree we're supposed to give tithes and offerings. However, I think you'd be amazed at what the church could do if everyone tithed. They don't. God doesn't need us for anything, but we show him where our heart is by tithing. If everyone tithed many more needs would be met than are met now. The only thing God said we could test him in is money. Let's do that; let's put God to the test, and when he blesses us more than we can possibly imagine, maybe then we'll start to believe and give like it's His (which it is) and not ours.
I couldn't agree more! Check out the current series on my blog if you want some suggestions for $1-$20 donations.
very true
so true man
reading through Crazy Love, again, and I def. feel ya on this idea of giving without guilt or selfishness. It's so hard tho, but I guess that's why we must continually be in His word or else we will revert back to our un"glory" days or guilt/fear/selfishness. good word.
I read all these posts and am encouraged. God has blessed us more than we can handle, and while he doesn't bless all of us with money; which many of us equate to as the only blessing that is worthy to attain, he blesses some with time, some with extra talents, some with endurance to handle suffering, some with ideas for ministry advancement, etc. Our job is to give without strings attached because He gave without strings attached. God Bless you all!
love that book
good stuff man