Articles
IS TITHING IMPORTANT?
(Written and compiled by Debbie Williamson)
Now what about tithing? A subject that can be Very controversial.. and sensitive to some (especially some of the larger church groups).
I do not believe in tithing (not the way most of the churches are teaching). I do not believe in giving 10%. I do not believe that God will not bless me if I give less than 10%. Some churches preach this.. God will not bless us... (Some) churches manipulate especially w.r.t. tithing - spending at least half an hour each Sunday preaching on tithing and why we have to give.. There are church groups who even treat their rich members with more respect than they do the less rich. I have personally seen this. I am always reminded of the parable of the sower and the widow who could only afford to give a few pennies.. and the rich man who gave his gold. Who did Jesus notice more?
There is only one scripture in the bible that talks about bringing our offerings into the storehouse.. and no where in the New Testament does it mention tithing.. oh yes.. we need to give with a cheerful heart.. but how many give with a cheerful heart when we are manipulated into giving? In Corinthians we read that "each person should give as they've determined in their heart and it should not be under compulsion". Besides (according to the New Testament), we are no longer under law, BUT Grace.
I believe and have sought God on this.. First Jesus' death on the cross for our sins - the only way to the Father is through Jesus - we then are born-again by accepting Jesus as our Saviour which in essence means that we are bought with a price .. and if we are bought with a price.. then EVERYTHING we have belongs to God.. therefore what we have ... is God's anyway. God looks at our hearts, motives and not how much. He does not need our money.. but He does need our giving.. if we are sitting with a huge bank balance then I believe.. that is wrong.. As Christians we need to give.. that includes money and time. We tithe our time as well. In essence we need to give more than 10% and that includes financial, time and in fact our very lives.
I have always had a problem with Ministers of large churches who every Sunday manipulate their flock into giving.. they drive luxury cars.. have million rand homes (and million dollar homes) and have multi overseas holidays..and some even have their own private jets.. yet some of their congregation have barely enough food on the table.. have never had a holiday.. and yet are loyal and committed to the Church and of course God. Many are jobless and even homeless. What is the church doing? Oh I know many churches have ministries and outreaches.. and that is good... but is it enough.?. and whilst many of the people suffer.. the manipulation of giving will continue and the churches will continue to thrive.
I assure you....I am not bitter or resentful... I am just merely pointing out... that I believe God is saddened by all the wealth and prosperity teachings and tithing has been taken totally out of context.
Do I tithe? Of course! Absolutely! But do I let the right hand know what the left hand in doing? I disagree with some churches who place envelopes on chairs and people are expected to write their names on the envelopes when giving. Giving is entirely between you and God. I can share with you that I do give to my church and at this point I would like to share this.. .. and this might sound like a contradiction.. if you are part of a church.. then you need to give to the church..we need to support the ministry of the church... if the church is where you believe you need to be .. then you must give.. but becareful of manipulation. We do need to be a support to our local church.. I certainly am not saying that we must not give.. but it must not stop there.. And, if you are unable to give.. monetary.. then support your church w.r.t. time and involve yourself in ministry.
And, because we are part of a local body... a family.. and because we do give.. and because we are loyal and committed to our family.. then I believe it is imperative for the leaders of the church to stand by their members and assist them if and when it becomes necessary.
You know of someone in dire financial straits.. hardly enough food.. can barely pay their rent.. firstly find out why? And if they are smoking or drinking then surely they can afford to eat? Just what I believe.. Having said this.. I would far rather give to someone who I know is struggling than just giving to the church as a whole.. because I know God will not let the church suffer because I have not given my 10%. And God will bless me for giving.
So yes, whilst I will always support my family church.. I also know that my friend or family member who might be Christians are also the church... and because of that .. I will not hesitate to give to God by giving to them. And it does not stop there. |
