I woke up this morning appreciating the good sleep I was able to get last night, as I am sure Bri did as well. It was off to church and time to finish up a study on tithing we have been going through in our Sunday School class. I have gotten into so many heated discussions with friends over this topic. A lot of believers, and non-believers alike have been turned off to the subject because of the perception that church leadership pushes tithing too hard. Pastors get up in front of the church congregation every Sunday and harp on giving the most you can when the offering plate/basket comes by.
While walking the streets of DC a little while ago I had the opportunity to try and explain tithing to a good friend. The best way I can explain the concept of tithing in layman's terms is to first dispel two myths:
Myth #1, The fleecing of the flock: Pastors and clergymen do not collect up the offering and take their "cut" after the money has been collected. Yes, there are some dishonest people out there, but all I can say is that they will reap what they sow when it comes to judgment time. If a church is not holding regular business meetings and producing spending and earnings statements for the church body, ask for one!
Myth #2, The church sustains itself: How much further from the truth could this myth be?! Churches live off of the money we give them, and all the money collected in tithe and through donations goes to staffing costs, materials, community outreach programs, and different programs within the church. Expecting that things will just run on their own is far fetched!
The last and most important part to the issue of tithing is that God says I/we should do it. God gives me much, and in return I will pay it forward. Surprise someone or a group of someone's tomorrow and give your time, maybe money, maybe something else.
"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.[f] 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
-Mark 12:41-44
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