Tithing: CONSEQUENCES or Why Is This So Important?

CONSEQUENCES (Why Is This So Important?) Matter of Control How much, when and to whom we give of our resources, our time and our money, is often one of the ways we gain or maintain control. We try to control God, thinking that if we give we can get God to take care of us. We control others, thinking that if we give to a church, ministry or person, we should have some say in how the money is spent, or have a say in how they live their lives. Tithing also involves another area of control in the body; that of leadership over laity. Another way finances are used to control is the whole issue of tax-exempt status. Believers Not Learning How to Hear the Lord Believers are not being taught how to give, or to hear from the Lord for themselves! There is a stronghold of poverty in the church because of the mix of grace and law, that you are free to give as long as you have already fulfilled the law of tithing. But we study to show ourselves approved, not to get ourselves approved. Do we give to get, or do we give because we have already received? Social Infrastructure Based on Money In Old Testament times, the tithes and offerings paid for government services, self-defense, disaster relief, roads, parties (festivals), and every need of society. Today, we pay taxes for these necessities. Not Giving God's Way is Contrary to Our New Nature At least ask the Lord what He wants done. If you don't seem to get an answer, do what you think is best and go on to something else. He doesn't want this to become a distraction, either.