re: Let's talk tithing...

quote:

---

Good for you! My wife and I are not at 10%. We do however donate to some different charities and causes, that doesn't justify us not doing so, but it makes me feel better.

---

I don't judge anyone (unless there's a Rant thread I don't like ) for what they do or don't.....not my business. I sincerely enjoy tithing.

quote:

---

for God loveth a cheerful giver

---

This!

You can tithe of either money or talent. My wife teaches at a Catholic school. We consider her making half the salary of teachers at public schools charity work for the church. Thus we rarely give unless there is a special collection for the youth group or other cause.

I'm assuming those that are tithing are doing so after taxes/401k/insurance/etc. correct? Still very impressive for those that are able to give that kind of money. My wife and I are young and both make good money. I cannot imagine giving 10% of my pay to the church. We typically give $20 but I am starting to feel bad about it.

We used to give $100 a week. We got more involved and joined a church a few years ago, and during commitment time they really went into where the money goes. More than 50% goes straight to missions work outside the church. The rest is divided between building costs, salaries and benefits, and programs within the church. We made the decision to up our giving to a tithe and it honesty surprises me how we somehow have more left at the end of the month than before. I guess part of that is we are more about budgeting now than in the past because my wife isn't working anymore but I like to think some of it is we are being rewarded for giving our share.

I pay 10%. Do it now as an engineer and did it when I was a part time umpire during college. Just feel like it is my duty based on scripture to give the lord back a portion of what he has blessed me with. As far as what it is spent on, I view it as I do my part and the rest is on the pastor/clergy.

My wife and I tithe and have for years. We have been truly blessed in our earthly lives, and no, tithing won't get you into heaven. But if you are a true follower of God you will tithe. It is not something we really think about anymore, it is part of life for us. We treat it like any other bill, you want lights, pay your electric bill. The same with financial blessings from God.

quote:

---

sure how the rules work on that

---

Someone asked our pastor about that and he said the 10% didn't need to all go to the church. You could split up the encouraged amount as you saw fit.

quote:

---

Churches and religious institutions are the largest providers of aid to the poor. No matter if you give it to your church or to the stewpot, it still helps the needy.

---

I understand that. Our church is not extravagant, but does spend a money on aesthetics to continue attracting more to the congregation which I get annoyed with sometimes, but understand the necessity of it. Additionally I do not always know to which charities the money goes, so sometimes I like to pick charities our church is not associated with that I know are well run and do great work and deserve more than they have.

quote:

---

You really need to re-evaluate things if the only reason you give is to get recognized/applauded or to shame someone else.

---

It was a joke. I am actually amazed at how many people I have spoken with who will not donate anything anonymously because of the loss of tax deduction and lack of recognition.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

We are encouraged at our church with this: Not equal gifts - but equal sacrifice. How much you give is between you and God. You can't buy your way into heaven. As for me...I personally give a minimum of 10% of my gross income. I can honestly say that I am being blessed as a result.


From GotQuestions.org:

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.

The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving.

The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ.