Tithe Your Way Out Of Debt?
Posted: Thursday, October 05, 2006
by Jim DeSantis
On Line Tribune Newspaper
In the course of being active in the local church and attaining Associate Degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Theology, I became convinced that "tithe your way out of debt" is false teaching.
There is no scripture that justifies this, not even Malachi.
In fact, much of the church teaches Malachi wrongly. They do not teach the entire passage on tithing. They leave out its beginning that speaks of "you have gone away from mine ordinances". The word "ordinances" means "laws". And, as Paul said -" he (Jesus) released us from the curse of the law".
This teaching that you can give your way out of debt, or, to put it another way they teach it, "you can't out give God", has ruined many Christian families.
Listen - if you are giving to get, you will be disappointed and go broke!
Jesus taught a lot about money. He taught that we should be good stewards of God's money. He taught that we should be smart investors of God's money. He taught that we should pay our taxes (render unto Caesar what is Caesar's). And, Proverbs tells us - "neither a borrower nor a lender be".
The Bible is full of advice about money, debt, work, and responsibility. Unfortunately, most Christians don’t read it and study it. They would rather take the word of some evangelist because it sounds good and they are desperate!
Someone said to me - "I tithe faithfully but God is not blessing me. I can't figure it out"
I answered - "Well, maybe it's because you spend $50.00 a week going to a massage parlor and another $20.00 a week on beer. That's $70.00 a week you could be giving to God's work."
I believe God does not look at how much you give. He looks at your heart, your motive for giving, and, He looks at what you do with the money he has put into your hands. There are many scriptures to support this. Take some time and read the book of James. It's a short and powerful book.
Because of Malachi, many people believe that all we need to do is give God 10% ("tithe means 10%) plus an offering above the tithe amount and we have met God's law. But, we are no longer under the law, remember?
Case in point: When I was a fund raiser for a major Christian ministry we received a check from a gentleman for $159.70 each and every month. No doubt, this was a tithe (10%) from his income.
So, Jim, how should I give?
1) Pay off your debts! You are a Christian. If you are a deadbeat, what does this say to non-Christians? Get a second job if you have to. But, get out of debt. Get Christian Credit Counseling if necessary. But, get out of debt!
2) Give what you can for now. Even one-dollar! Give it cheerfully!
3) Don't give to be blessed. Give with the idea you are helping the work of the church to bring others to Christ or to help others in need.
4) Stop squandering God's money (like the example above). Spend on what you need, not on what you want.
In my own life, once I understood Malachi, my financial situation changed dramatically for the better. I began by asking the Holy Spirit how much I should give, ignoring the 10% rule.
Once he said - "Give $200.00".
I said - "We only have $300.00 in our checking account".
He said - "Give $200.00".
I said - "OK" and did not run out of money to meet our needs.
Another time He said - "Don't give anything. You're going to need it".
I said - "OK". and, guess what, we needed it for an unexpected bill.
Did the Holy Spirit talk to me out loud? No, of course not! It was a clear thought, a knowing that it was Him speaking. After a while you will get to know when it’s Him talking to you in your thoughts.
Ever since my wife and I have been giving this way, most of our debts are gone, our bank account has grown, and, best of all, our needs are always met. Now, you have a Mortgage or pay Rent, maybe a car payment, food on the table, clothing, etc. These are debts that almost everyone must incur. The point is, always ask yourself, “Do we need this or just want this?" That simple question will keep you out of debt better than any budget plan devised by man.
This will get you started on the road to abundance.
You will be blessed!
Jim DeSantis
_____________________________________
About the Author: Jim DeSantis is a veteran Journalist providing trusted information on Spiritual matters. Subscribe to Jim's Spiritual Matters Blog! or browse Jim's Newsman's Links for lots of Free Resources!
This Article has been viewed 1,895 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)THANK YOU for using common sense to point out that we are no longer under the law! This article should be required reading for every church member (and especially church leader) in the US! Wonderful job!
Thank you for the encouragement Danny. My wife and I love being free from the curse of the Law. A correct understanding and application of scripture makes for an abundant life. Blessings. Jim
Good comments. We must not forget we are here for Gods purpose not ours. As the window gave what she could we are to give. In my opinion God does not count percentages he counts faith and intent. We should also not forget Time, Talent and Treasure a source of lack in most churches. In my opinion God judges need through your heart not pocket! Give from love not want and he will respond.
You are right, Anonymous. This is another reason to be free of the Law so we can give freely of time, talent, and treasure to be used as God intends, not as we expect. Too many folks want an accounting of how their gift is used and they expect a return on their investment. This is giving with "strings attached" from the "pocket" not the "heart". This is also legalism.
Thanks for an intelligent response to my confusion and concern about tithing.
Thank you for you kind remark Carole. This is controversial stuff because many of us "churched" folks had it drilled into us from the pulpit and in Bible study. It has been repeated over and over, sometimes legitimately, sometimes with greed as the motive. As always, let the Holy Spirit guide and teach.
Jim: Great comments. I was on my Lutheran church building fund committee years ago. Someone at a church meeting stood and said, "we should all give until it hurts." Or, I suggested, give until makes you feel good good. Love this article. Marty RicKard.
Thanks for the observation Marty. Giving should never "hurt". For me, I have found that giving is always "peaceful". Jim
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.