Tithe Push-back

Sunday I taught in-depth about tithing. Every time I do I hear what usually turns out to be the same questions and push-backs about it, so I thought I would take some time this week to answer the most common questions...

• "I'm in college...I'm a teenager...I'm a single parent...(fill in your unique situation)...I don't have much money. Someday when I make more I'll tithe."

Honestly - no you won't. This is a heart issue, not a money issue. You aren't tithing now because you don't trust God. You don't think he is able to meet your needs and you want to maintain control. Anyone who has lived some of their life with just a little bit of money and later made more money will tell you - it doesn't get easier the more you make. In fact, most find it gets harder.

Money has a way of entangling itself in your values and the more you make the more valuable it tends to become. Your view shifts from, "I don't have enough to give, " to, "That's too much to give!"

That's one reason why it's always been interesting to me that Jesus said, "He who can be trusted with A LITTLE, will be trusted with more." That literally means if you just have a little, you're at a great starting point.

One thing I'm grateful to my parents for is that they taught me the importance of giving from my earliest recollection. I vividly remember taking my dime to church on Sunday for the offering. It was my tithe. I started with a little bit and as I grew older and made more the transition was easier because I started with a little bit.

So if you just have a little bit, start there and just see what God does in your heart and through your life! More tomorrow...

Comments

[Nicole DeFauw]

Dave this really hits home with me. I am a college student and do not have much money to pay for school so I have been listening to you on Sundays thinking maybe after college I will start tithing. Perhaps it is about time that I quit making excuses and begin trusting God more fully. Thanks for addressing this!