Tithing is a matter of priorities

When I talk about Stewardship with people and I always talk about tithing, they frequently and legitimately tell me that they have fixed costs such as a mortgage and a car payment that make it hard to step up to a tithe.

But when it comes time to rethink the major purchase such as a car or when selling and buying a home, does this thought come into play at all?  Is it time now to reassess our priorities and to give back to God what we ought in thanksgiving for all God's blessings?

I told someone the other day what I now to be true.  There are no ex- tithers.  I just bought a house and it at times seems overwhelming.  I may have moments when I think that it was easier to just stay in the apartment.  There always seems to be some other expense I hadn't realized. 

But I have never regretted tithing.  It changed my life and my perspective.  It opened my heart to be more generous and to see where I can give instead of acquire.  I pray that owning a house again does not change that, but I know it will not ever make me an ex tither.

I have no qualms talking to you about tithing or encouraging or well maybe not quite strong arming, because it has been a blessing in my life and in the life of everyone who has tried it.  I said tried it loosely because as I said no one I know has taken it out for a spin and not been sold. 

Before the bigger car or the bigger house, how about a down payment on a bigger heart.

Lord,  Thank you for all that you have given us.  And thank you for the chance to share in the growing or your kingdom.  Amen


Copyright © 2006, The Rev. Dana Reardon. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Email her at mspastor@aol.com.


The Rev. Dana Reardon is pastor at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI.  A lifelong Lutheran, she came to ordained ministry after 21 years in nursing, mostly in pediatric intensive care.  She graduated from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1998 and served 4 ½ years in Upstate New York before becoming a New Englander.  She is still trying to understand the accent.  While in the Upstate New York Synod she chaired the Stewardship Team.  That began her fascination with what makes stewards -- and more, what makes for generosity. She has three amazing daughters: Pastor Reardon says much of what she knows of life she learned from them.