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This is Not a Blog About Tithing

This is Not a Blog About Tithing

By Robyn Roste


You know those people who seem to be generous by nature? They're the ones who give coins to beggars, buy tickets to their friend's plays or shows in support, and constantly take you and your friends out for dessert. They're the ones who never seem to have money trouble and you can never quite understand how they survive.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are people a little more like me: penny pinchers. Literally. I love my pennies and I want to collect them and wrap them and spend them on groceries. I want to count every one, lest one go to waste under the refrigerator. Each month I take my pennies and I spread them out carefully so each bill is covered and the rest stashed away until the next month comes around. There are none to spare and so extra spending (or giving if you will) is definitely O-U-T.

Of course these are the extremes when talking about money. Most people fall somewhere in between and are able to balance spending, saving, and giving. However, it's always a touchy subject and when it comes right down to it, most people probably don't give the traditional 10 per cent tithe to their local church, or to anyone.

My way of approaching money is fantastic when saving for things. However, it's horrible when the word “generosity” comes up. Like in 2 Corinthians. It comes up so many times in chapters eight and nine I used to feel guilty just reading the words. Am I a naturally generous person? No. Do I have a desire to be? If I'm honest…not really. Do I need an attitude adjustment? Definitely.

Here's what The Message says about generosity and giving:

“Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

There's no doubt about it: God wants us to be generous with the things he has lavished upon us (see Ephesians 1:7-9, 1 John 3:1-3). “Every good and perfect gift is from above …” (James 1:17a NIV). Maybe it's money you should be more generous with; maybe it's something else. The point is, when we are told to sow generously with the gifts we have received we are also told we will reap much from that act of obedience.


About the author:  Robyn Roste


 
Robyn Roste