Why are you not a tither?

[Alcott]

For which of these reasons are you not a tither? The subject has been brought up again recently on another thread in this forum, so let’s systematize the reasons for the negativity shown therein.

 

[drfuss]

Your poll did not include the most important option.

Most important option: I give more than 10% in offerings, but it is not a tithe because tithing is only for O. T. Isreal.

 

[Helen]

That's a silly poll. As a Christian, EVERYTHING we have belongs to the Lord and we should be spending and giving as HE directs.

 

[Ivon Denosovich]

Helen, I agree that all belongs to God. Still, I don't see how the poll is silly. But onwards...

I voted that I give as led and for the option that said something about fantasy. Just my two cents.

 

[Alcott]

That's a silly poll. As a Christian, EVERYTHING we have belongs to the Lord and we should be spending and giving as HE directs.

There is still that other recent thread about tithing, and this puts the reasons on the table instead of just having distractful debating. However, that 'everything belongs to God' should replace some option in the poll, for that's both a reason people give and a reason they don't give [what they control anyway, if not own].

 

[Alcott]

The last option needs clarification. If it could be stated longer, it would be: "I limit my church giving because my church budgets too much for elaborate structures and 'dynamic' ministers, and I may give more elsewhere for humanitarian needs."

 

[drfuss]

THere are many of us who give more than 10% and are not tithers, because we know that tithing is not required for Christians. All of what we give are freewill offerings.

 

[Alcott]

If you know you give "more than 10%," that is within the definition of tithing. I did not state tithing = contributing to one's church at least 10% of one's income [increase] because I was certain that part was understood. If being a "tither" was limited to one who gives excactly 10% of his/her income (not a penny more nor less) there would probably be no such thing as a tither...another significant difference from ancient Israel, when tithing meant one out of 10 among the increase in stock animals or crops.

 

[charles_creech78]

THere are many of us who give more than 10% and are not tithers, because we know that tithing is not required for Christians. All of what we give are freewill offerings.

Amen I agree with you on this.:thumbs:

 

[drfuss]

If you know you give "more than 10%," that is within the definition of tithing. I did not state tithing = contributing to one's church at least 10% of one's income [increase] because I was certain that part was understood. If being a "tither" was limited to one who gives excactly 10% of his/her income (not a penny more nor less) there would probably be no such thing as a tither...another significant difference from ancient Israel, when tithing meant one out of 10 among the increase in stock animals or crops.

drfuss: You seem to have a different definition of tithing than me. Consider this: Two Christians provide 13%. The tither pays 10% and gives 3%; the non-tither pays 0% and gives 13%. That is giving 3% vs. 13%. To me that is a big difference.

I suspect that many of us who voted that we do not tithe because it is not required for Christians, give more that 10%.

 

[Alcott]

Sounds like you need to start your own poll about the definition of tithing. I wonder if the 13 (50%) who said "I AM a tither" agree that they tithe 10% and give 3%.

 

[LeBuick]

THere are many of us who give more than 10% and are not tithers, because we know that tithing is not required for Christians. All of what we give are freewill offerings.

I tithe 10% but not of want or necessity, I tithe cheerfully from the heart. I also give offering which is in addition my 10% tithe.

I love what this Psalmist wrote. What are your thoughts?

Ps 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

 

[drfuss]

drfuss: To each his own definition. We don't pay tithes, we just give more than 10%.

 

[Alcott]

I love what this Psalmist wrote. What are your thoughts?

Since you asked, I'll tell you.

Ps 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

I suppose I could go for everything as the answer to this question. But if I carried it out, within a few weeks there would be no benefits in this world, and nothing to render.

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

The last time I yelled anything into a cup, it hurt my ears.

14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

I ain't made any vows because Jesus said not to.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Almost makes me want to commit suicide. It's quite a scrabble here that if you're a saint and you want to do an act that is precious in the sight of the Lord, if you actually do it most other 'saints' would say you ain't a saint.

16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

If he loosed my bonds, I would cash them in before it's too late.

17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

The "sacrifice of thanksgiving?" Must be the Jets playing Dallas at Texas Stadium that day.

18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,

Does this chapter echo, or is v. 14 repeated verbatim? Sure enough; I checked and it is.

19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Well, if I had to take round trips to Jerusalem to praise Him, that sure would take care of any 'tithe' money.