Originally posted by Soulman:
Why is it that when people study the bible and recognize the truth that N.T. giving is the way to go, people like you accuse them of looking for excuses not to give?
While it's true that there is no shortage of tithers who use the tithe as an excuse to not give more than 10%, there is likewise no shortage of people who eschew the tithe as an excuse to give less than 10%. Both of those attitudes, imo, are poor Christian attitudes. Again, strictly my opinion, not something that is scripturally clear.
Tithe no matter what. Can't out give God.
While it's true that berating a person who doesn't tithe is not biblically called for (and, imo, a perversion of scripture), I do think that every person should tithe no matter what. But that is strictly a personal matter, not an institutional matter. Churches should encourage tithing and giving, but should not enforce it. I hope that makes sense.
Now as to tithing no matter what, I stated earlier that financial analysts who counsel people with debt problems will instruct people to budget a portion of their income to give away. Why? Because it changes that person's mental outlook on money by empowering them with financial control, instead of allowing their finances to control them (which can sometimes be a sin). I myself was living less-then-paycheck to paycheck when I decided to tithe. At the time I was making less than 12k per year. I had financial problems for years prior to that. You know what? Within 6 months, I was out of debt. Within 5 years, I had purchased a house. I'm not saying tithing will get you a house, but tithing will put your heart on the right track to control your finances, that will lead you to financial security. All Christian, imo, should strive to be financially secure (note that I didn't say "rich" or "wealthy"). Financial insecurity results in us being a slave to the finances, and no one can serve two masters.
Okay, enough about my finance soapbox. Tithing makes good spiritual sense. Giving and tithing make better spiritual sense.
There are many christians that give with a cheerful heart because they have been liberated from this false teaching.
Any type of giving, whether it's via the tithe or via the offering, should be done with a cheerful heart. Even if one gives his entire fortune, but does not do so with a cheerful heart, it profits nothing.