Week 13

    Today, I'm blogging about a mentality in the Body which I call the "alternative tithe." This mentality says that I can tithe something other than the finances God sends me and it is the same as the covenant of the tithe. Alternative tithers think that giving their goods, or their services, or their time to the church, is the same as bringing tithes to the church. These A.T.'s announce with great conviction that their service to the local church, or their giving time to the local church is the same as tithing. I studied this fairly carefully and here's what I've learned. To assume that giving time, or praying, or music, or teaching or pastries, or cleaning up, or watching children or any other service is the same as tithing, is not scriptural. It may sound all holy and spiritual, but it's just religious posturing.

 

    My church has some of the most fabulous groups of volunteers anywhere on this planet. As his disciples, Jesus taught us to give and serve and defer to one another. Volunteering goods or services or prayer are extensions of our love for Jesus and our desire to serve as His Body. They are outward expressions of His grace working within us. They honor God. Goods, prayers, gifts and acts of service are ministry. They minister Christ's love and are characteristic of joy-filled Christians. Our ministry as Believers never substitutes for tithes!

        God's Tithe Covenant has its own nature. It is a financial covenant, instituted by God and ministered by God alone. It is optional and entered into voluntarily. There is nothing equal to it, nor is there any contract better than it. It is a unique, fail-safe system of worshipping God with finances.

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 12

A Tither's Blog

September 17, 2012

    I have a friend who is a wellspring of knowledge. One of her many credentials is that of financial planner (C.F.P.) I like talking $$$ with her. She takes time to explain things clearly to me. We have had several discussions about what is called "the tyranny of the urgent." Another way I have heard this expressed is, "your need does not make my emergency."

    Churches have many ministries. As Jesus taught, the poor will always be with us. (Mt.26.11; Mk14.7; Jn.12.8.) Christians are bombarded on all sides to donate, to minister and support all kinds of genuine and even heartbreaking needs. One of the most difficult lessons I have ever had to learn is discernment.

    My tendency is to give to anyone any time. Since the Lord has total control over my finances, I have a place to go when I'm faced with multiple, desperate financial choices. I pray, seek the Lord and receive the wisdom and grace I need to implement God's will. I am no longer torn by the tyranny of the urgent.

        Sometimes God asks me to wait to do a greater good. This week if you have time, you might renew your mind with Jn.11.1-44. It will bless you. And remember, be faithful to your grace-giving and tithes.

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 11

        William Wilberforce (1759-1833,) Jane Austen (1775-1817) and John Wesley's life spans overlapped. Each was a sharp observer and has described the culture and practices of that era. In those 18th and 19th Centuries, clergymen depended on patronage. Clergymen would have had the use of a house or holding on some estate. To provide his living, each preacher was responsible for collecting his own tithes. Preachers would make the rounds personally and visit the members of their congregation to collect their portion. This practice was offensive, unpopular and a breeding ground for abuse. Although the process itself was changed many times over the centuries, financial dealings remained a nightmare for most clergy. No wonder John Wesley proclaimed grace-giving.

         Given that legacy, it's also no wonder many Pastors today are reluctant to preach and teach tithing and finance. Pastors need to care for their flock. Contemporary Pastors/Shepherds require a huge amount of time to prayerfully nurture and care for the souls God sends them. It's an enormous and expensive responsibility. When Christians withhold tithes, or their grace offerings are a tad short in grace, a crushing burden is placed on the shoulders of their Pastors. Too many of our Pastors are then obligated to act as accountants, finance ministers or CFO's. That's to our shame, Church!

        In the original languages, the word 'bring' of Mal.3.10, translates as "cause to come in."  On-line giving, kiosks and other automatic delivery systems for transfer of funds to the local church are easy, convenient and totally scriptural. What's preventing you from implementing your tithing covenant?

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy  

Week 10

 All these discussions on tithing would be incomplete without some dialogue with you on giving in general. Many contemporary churches seem to favor what is known as "grace giving." Basically, grace giving is giving as the Lord leads. It's a result of prayer and it is giving offerings without using financial parameters. John Wesley (1703-1791) pioneered this. He taught and preached, "earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can."

    Tithing is a covenant and an act of worship. In the Old Testament, the tithe was used for the maintenance of the Temple and care of the priests. As we are in Christ, grace-giving transcends Old Testament sacrificial systems. Grace-giving donantions are another form of worship through finances. These grace offerings are intended to provide for every aspect of church life.

    Church maintenance, salaries, all additional ministries, outreaches, discretionary care, the finances of spreading the Gospel and everything else, are funded by grace-giving congregations. Jesus said to give. Jesus said to take care of others. Jesus said to love one another. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. The Bible has innumerable promises for those who give. Christians are blessed as they sow and bring grace offerings. (Lu.6.38)

        Tithes and grace offerings are the foundation of today's Christianity. It is love as the Lord loves--freely, openly and generously. What wonderful opportunities the Lord gives us!

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy