Posted by Kat on April 15, 2002 at 18:05:01:
In Reply to: Re: Quandary... posted by Pastor Steven on April 15, 2002 at 17:30:11:
Ok, my turn.
I am not going to respond to anyone in particular I will simply try to explain my position on tithing and babysitters.
Number one, I wouldn't be able to sing or read poetry or listen to Steve minister if there was no babysitter, ALL of you know how distracting my beautiful children can be. And while you may not miss my voice in the worship, and you may not miss my poetry, I would certainly miss the worship and the poetry of others and the fellowship and the teaching and being part of something I really believe in.
Nuber two, and here is the heart of it, it wasn't until very recently that I realized how imortant tithing is. Tithing is essential to the your spiritual health, this is a lesson learned after many many years of NOT tithing at all or under tithing. I was under tithing until recently and being a single mother of three I felt that was ok. Well I guess it's ok, I'm not going to hell for it but, I am shorting God, my church, and myself. For when I started to fully tithe (and I am talking first fruits before taxes) I was immensely blessed. It wasn't just tithing, I had a major change in attitude about spending my money also. I did this expecting, let me repeat, expecting and believing God to provide for me, bills, food, gas--etcetera. I am self-employed and God gave me new clients somehow there was money were there wasn't before, And I was giving more, not just to church, but I was fufilling my promise to World Vision and giving more than I had to when I felt I had it. This I suppode will only work if you are willing to give up a few frills that aren't necessary like having dinner or lunch every week, but I think it all goes back to the idea of being a good steward.
This church had been there for me when I really needed it and during my time of intense need I took a long look at the way I viewed "my money" and how I had been short-changing god.
I have been given much and I believe I am required to give much back. Whether it be my time or my money I will try to do according to the blessings I receive. After all none of it is really mine.
Look, it's not my intention to condemn anybody, but if God's principles work for me, well you know.
I am so guilty of having the same motives as all of you for not tithing.
As far as supporting or not supporting because of ministers motives and all, I feel that you need to sow your seed where you want to see fruit grow. If you can't trust your leadership you are not in the right church and you should be tithing somewhere else.
Well I hope I haven't made anyone angry, like I said I don't want ot condemn anybody (or to blow my own horn) I just hope some of you will come to trust God in this sooner than I did.
Shalom