There it is, I said it. I think this is the first i’ve ever heard myself go straight out and say it. Stop tithing, and Get out of debt. I don’t want you to give another dime until all of your unsecured credit is paid off. I’m not talking about your house, or your car, or your school loans. I’m talking about all the store and credit card debt. Get out of Debt!
“No one can serve two masters”. Although that statement in context of scripture was not referring to debt, i believe it is applicable as a stewardship principle. It’s hard to serve God with your money while you are still a slave to debt. It’s also hard to serve God with your money while you are a slave to possessions as well. I know there are some legitimate people who are not slaves to possessions, but have some debt lingering over them. In those cases the simple answer is get out of debt and then your can give God your money.
Do not bow to the pressure of the tithing threats. God does not judge a person by what they’ve given; He judges them by what they’ve kept. You need to be a wise steward, and part of that is making the decision to get out of debt, and then give to God. Actually, here’s a thought that just ran through my head. Who said that paying your bills and striving to get out of debt is not giving to God. The misconception is that paying your bills or striving to be debt free is not a spiritual way of giving. Are you somehow dishonoring God if you pay off your debts? Why would God be more honored if you paid the parishioner, but was late on your bills? Where is the honor in that?
God judges us based on our stewardship. I’ve stated this so many times as an example, but it is so relevent: The servant who gave 100% back to the master when he returned, was the one considered a bad steward. A good analogous word for “steward” is “investor”.
At the end, the truth is we will be judged by our investments. Whether we are in debt or not, If we’ve invested in the worldly things, then God will burn up our works like wood, hay, and stubble. If you are struggling financially, and cannot get out of debt no matter what you’ve done, then stop giving it away and start investing in the plan to get out of debt. If you have trouble with debt because of self control, then get some accountability, get some instructions, follow a plan to stop spending; and start investing in a debt-free life. Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial offer good programs to help you get out of debt. Don’t feel guilty about putting your money towards debt instead of in the offering plate. God will honor your decision for being a wise, investing steward.
Remember, God’s blessings are reaped naturally by a cause and effect more then they are reaped miraculously, such as money falling from the sky. You will reap what you sow. So if you sow a debt-free life, you will reap the rewards that come from it. The natural reward of a debt free life is not money falling from the sky. Although i wouldn’t pass that up.
There are only two paths you can take towards Godly stewardship. One leads to debt as your master, and the other path leads to financial freedom as your master. Which path are you going to choose?
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September 16th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I too am here b/c of a comment on a recent blog. I am not exactly sure what kind of church you are attending that the pastor takes the offering and tithes for himself. You might want to consider a change. Tithes are for reaching the lost, missions and outreach. Our church in SC does lots of things with the money our congregation gives…You sound so bent on trashing the church. Why don’t you use your knowledge for good instead of giving Christians a bad name and trashing principles that are key our belief.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
[...] Stop Tithing and get out of debt! [...]
September 18th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Lori M Says: “Why don’t you use your knowledge for good instead of giving Christians a bad name and trashing principles that are key our belief.”
Lori, with all due respect Christians give themselves a bad name, they don’t need a blog to do that. I know you probably mindlessly follow your pastors direction without thinking for yourself, but truth be told tithing is not a key biblical principle of Christian faith. It is a man made doctrine to get money in the church. Although I understand it and for the most part agree that tithing is needed to further the purpose of Jesus’ bride, in today’s materialistic and superficial church environment, tithing has become abused and is primarily used for personal gain. Instead of speaking out against our mutual blog here, why don’t you go to the leadership of your church and question them about how they are spending your tithe dollars.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
[...] right, but they use tithing as a spiritual quest to appease their guilty conscience. People need to stop tithing & get out of debt. Related PostsStop Tithing & Get Out of Debt…Barna Takes a Stand Against Tithing…God [...]
October 29th, 2008 at 5:18 am
You bring up good points here. Last year I tried to contribute 10% every week, and I used credit cards to pay for groceries and gas in order to write big checks. I got myself into a lot of debt. This year, I’m contributing free will offerings, and I feel much better.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Let me explain something to you.
The more you give, the more you receieve. In Malachi 3:7
“But you ask, How are we to return? Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me, But you ask, How do we rob you? In Tithes and Offerings, God said He will open the flood gates of heaven and pour out such a blessing.
You are misleading people.
I believe it is the law of giving, the more you give the more you receieve, the facts are you reap what you sow, so if you sow in giving to people, you’ll reap it back.
Do not midlead fellow followers of Christ, these are heretical teachings.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:43 am
And let me tell you, just as Jesu made coins come from the fish’s mouth.
When your faithful in giving to God he is faithful to you,
Just as he sent the $5500 needed in the mail for the mortage for my family.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Jesus*