Hi readers and followers,
I just read a post on a blog. The writer suggested that, the needs of one's family members come first before paying tithes. The writer stated that, when she obtained her first salary, she was in a difficult position of whether to pay her tithe or meet the needs of her family, and by the time she calculated how much she would have remaining after the tithe has been paid, she wouldn't be able to survive.
The writer had a discussion with her Atheist room mate, who was aghast with the thought of starving her family all because she wanted to fulfil a religious law. After her discussions with her room mate, the writer did not pay her tithe, she helped her family.
What is your view?
Do you pay tithe?
Are there months that we should not pay tithe if we need to help the widows, orphans, our families etc?
Are there implications/consequences of not paying our tithes?
- Myss Lafunky
Myss Lafunky will offer her view in due course.
I won't say I am righteous about it. But I'm thinking if you do believe God will meet your needs just as the sparrows then I believe paying tithes though not easy would be something you do because He is able. It's like putting your hopes on Him. It'll never be dashed I believe. I don't know where exactly but there's somewhere in ecclesiastes that says you just put it on the water, the how it's coming back isn't what you should concern yourself with. But be on the lookout for it. It'll will surely come back and in folds too.
ReplyDeleteSorry didn't plan for an epistle. But I hope it helps.
It is certainly not an epistle. Thank you for your comment Abimbolasville. I like your honesty in regards to 'you won't say you are righteous about it'. It is good that you are aware of the blessings that are attached to paying tithe. But this boils down to the question, should we pay tithe because of the blessings attached to it or because of our love for God?
DeleteJust as it was said to Saul, Obedience is better than sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Opeyemi. Can you please shed more light into what Paul said? Do you believe in it
DeleteThis is what the Bible says about Tithing:
ReplyDelete2 Corinthians 9:6-7 English Standard version (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 11:42 ESV
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Malachi 3:8 ESV
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.
2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Malachi 3:10 ESV
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Proverbs 3:9 ESV
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
Luke 18:12 ESV
I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 ESV
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Malachi 3:8-10 ESV
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Genesis 14:20 ESV
And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
My contribution:
ReplyDeleteI pay tithe to acknowledge that I have faith in God’s Word and I trust that His Word will come into fulfilment in my life.
I also pay tithe because it is a way for me to acknowledge that God is the source of my income and He gave me the job, which is a way of thanking Him whilst obeying His Word.
In UK, we pay about 20-40% tax every month; we still pay Private Pension including national insurance contribution. If the Government can be removing tax from my salary, why can’t I give my creator 10%? I also believe that if 90% of the remaining salary cannot be enough to survive, bless others, help families, save, etc, I really doubt 100% will be enough.
Final notes from me, to the writer that listened to her room mate, the book of Proverbs 11: 9, God said that we can be ruined by the talk of godless people, but the wisdom (from God) of the righteous can save you.
In addition, Proverbs 11:24 states that: some people spend their money freely and still grow richer. Others are cautious, and yet grow poorer.
It is to be noted that God’s Word does not work with common sense. Common sense states that if you save your money and not give out, you will have more in abundance in your bank account. While God’s Word says that the more you give, the more you are blessed/you will receive. The blessing may not necessarily come back in money.
Paying tithe links to my faith in Christ. It is all about our faith/trust/hope in Jesus Christ.
Are there months that I didn't pay tithe?
Yes, when I was at uni, I didn't pay tithe for a month as I felt that I needed the money for something that was quite imperative. I told myself all the positive reasons why I shouldn't pay tithe for that particular month, I also stated that ‘God doesn’t need my money, God is a merciful God, He will forgive me, God still loves me whether I pay my tithe or not’. I didn't pay my tithe, I felt guilty throughout the whole month as I knew what God’s Word regarding tithing, yet, I didn't obey.
Upon reflection, the 100% income that I had was not enough for me. I spent more than 100% for that month.
Do I believe there are implications for not tithing?
Yes I believe there are implications for not tithing especially when you know and believe in God’s Holy Bible (refer to the Bible verses quoted above).
Nonetheless, I am aware that some people struggle to pay their tithes because of their unbelief, fear and also because of ‘common sense’s notion.
I also recognise that some people believe that walking towards living a life of purity is more vital than paying tithe.
My personal view is that, paying tithe, offering, helping your family, treating people fairly, being kind, not gossiping, trusting God, serving God with the right motive, amongst others are all part of living a life of purity.
Wow..well said lafunky..we should do it because we love God, not because of the benefits. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you New life
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