Tithing.... a new statistic I heard today.

I think you have the right idea! Tithing was an old testament requirement, and it involved far more than just money. Much of it went to feeding and clothing the priests and the upkeep of the temples. If one has it, giving money is the easiest part. Living one's faith through helping as you and many of us do just may mean more to God than all the money in the world. It is the heart, the spirit, which he and he alone can judge, and God is just and loving. Keep on doing your wonderful work.

Well said, agirnow.

Thank you for responding. To clarify: the statement wasn't from me, I was quoting. Secondly, you just stated that Paut said EVERY man should give ... something. If a Christian is following that teaching alone they should be tithing, or giving monies to the church for the church to designate use of. If a Christian is not tithing, then they are stealing from God. They are keeping what He has requested of them. Forget the amount. That was never part of the discussion. It's a principal of not giving to God. If we are bought by His blood, then EVERYTHING we have is His, including our very lives. His Word says that every good thing comes from God. I would put money in that category. Time. Talents. Children If people say they are Christians and don't give to God what He asks, no matter what it is, it is wrong, it is sin, and they are stealing. If they say they have never stolen anything (and aren't tithing) then they are also lying. We don't like to hear that, but there's the facts. Thanks for writing.

God wants your goodwill, your faith and your recognition that he is beyond anything that we can imagine. He wants you to take care of yourself and of others, but I cannot imagine that he has ordained anyone to give to the Church itself. Every good you do is for God, then why do you have to pay a Church? In my opinion, a Church is a place of worship that needs to be kept up, but a donation elsewhere and clothing/feeding your child is much more important than having a pretty house of worship. Give what you have freely, but don't oblige others to give because a donation that is forced is not a donation given for God... and nothing is given to God, except your devotion and your goodwill. He has no need of your money, he can create whatever he needs. He needs to know that you care for others in his name.

I'm curious on your last comment: do you think that the 10% is the MINIMUM for us? I feel like all 100% belongs to Him if I belong to Him. I wonder how many give more than the OT 10%. I do agree that people are being stretched. I lived our first 12 years of marriage that way... I think that when you are stretched, that's the BEST time to give. It's backwards, but most of Christ's teachings are backwards to the world's way of thinking. :*) I can say that when we did make choices to pay bills over tithing, we lost even more! I kid you not! When we tithed THEN paid bills... we always had lights on and food on the table. It was Hamburger(less) Helper, but it was food! God is good and I personally testify to His faithfulness when our family tithes. Thanks for your response!