I am always trying to get
people to consider tithing. I know that it changed my life. But
recently I was talking to a couple who were hard hit economically by
9/11. The husband had had a good job with good benefits. Now all
he can get is temporary work and they pay a large sum for health
coverage for themselves and their daughter.
But they belong to a
church that requires tithing. And it has become a burden for them.
She asked me what I thought of tithing. I did not give her my usual
spiel because she has heard that and more from her church.
I told her that the
purpose of giving is so that we can care for each other. Of course
the structure of her particular church does not take onto account
that one of their own might need, as some churches do. They are to
give, but who helps them when their circumstances change?
That is the reason we all
need to give. And I am beginning to be convinced that my tithe is
not enough. If I have been given more than I really need and there
are people out there like this couple or people in Florida who are
hurting from a hurricane or children who are hungry then what I need
to do is to increase my giving beyond a tithe.
We talk about budgeting in
the 10 percent and budgeting in some saving for a rainy day, but
maybe we need to budget in for others' rainy days too.
I am not suggesting 20
percent. I am suggesting that beyond the tithe we put aside some
for special needs and special appeals so that when others are in
need we can respond.
Lord,
You loved us as you loved your own Son when you sent Him to us. Now
teach us to love others as ourselves.
Amen
