Tithes and Offerings

Malachi 3:10
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try me on this", says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it"

Some people believe that tithing is under the "old law" of the Old Testament and no longer applies to Christians today. I am not one of those people. Not because of some legalistic approach or doctrine that makes me bound by a rule or condemnation if I don't give. But by the belief that tithing is an act of obedience and a statement of my faith.

HOWEVER, although I believe in tithing and giving to the church, I cannot stand to hear people on television "preaching" about giving a certain amount and that just by giving that amount there will be some huge reward, all you have to do is give. I believe this is misleading, and contrary to the word of God. The only "set amount" that anyone should be giving is 10% of their income, and that should go to their local church. Anything above that is between a person and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

This morning I saw one program asking for a "seed" of $360 that can be made in payments of $120 per month....seriously!!! If we need to finance our giving there is something terribly wrong. Another time a "pastor" was asking for $1000 offerings.

It makes me want to call these people and ask for their financial accountability records, and have them explain to me exactly where the $360 (or more) is going. I mean, are we buying them a bigger house, funding their vacation, or what???

Don't get me wrong, I believe in supporting different ministries, especially the minsters and teachers that I learn from, but 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "so let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver". This scripture does not say, "give whatever amount a preacher tells you to give because you have a need in your life and the only way that need is going to get met is for you to sow this seed"!!

Have I made my point, yet? I believe that the Lord will instruct us to give where it is going to be most effective for His kingdom, and to the ministry(s) that He uses to pour into our lives. I believe that He blesses tithes and offerings, and sometimes that does come in unexpected windfalls. However, I believe that most of the time that blessing comes in everyday things like the ability to pay the mortgage or rent, the ability to feed our families, and the provision of employment.

Giving whatever amounts these "preachers" tell you to give will not all of a sudden make your financial situation better. Financial freedom comes from following the Holy Spirit's lead on what you should give, who you should give it to, and making good financial choices with what the Lord blesses you with.

Please don't buy into these scams, yes, I called them scams. Use discernment where giving is concerned, and always pray about where God wants you to "sow a seed".