The idea of ‘tithing’ 10% of our income has probably done more harm than good. Many of us can give more than 10%, even if it requires a less lavish lifestyle.* And there are surely some among us (newly weds, students, those in serious debt, etc.) who would be unwise and irresponsible to give 10%. For this season of their life, they must give less. The truth is the Lord has never been interested in percentages. He is very interested however, in the attitude and intentions of our heart.
*C.S. Lewis said, “If our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charities expenditure excludes them.”(Mere Christianity, 86)
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1 comment:
Yes, most in the US can and shoudl give more than 10%. That is not the problem. The problem is making those who cannnot do so feel guilty and cursed of God when they cannot feed and shelter their own family. That violats 1 Timothy 5:8.
Tithing was never given tothe church after Calvary. Adn even th4e SBC FAith and Message did not even include the texts for it until 1963. Was this "truth" unknown for over 300 years since 1649?
Read my essay and free downloadble book from my PHD thesis.
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com
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