Claims Upon Our Purses
A third thing to throw off as we run the race this year, according to W.E. McCumber, would be: "claims upon our purses that leave them too empty to support the gospel."
This is always a touchy subject, and I guess many people have decided not to even listen to this devotion when they saw the theme! There's always a danger that churches or Christian workers become too forceful in asking for or even demanding financial support. I hope that I have never crossed that line, forgive me if you feel I have!
I will say that this is an important matter, though. Money so quickly becomes an idol in our lives, if we aren't careful. In the Christian race we are all running, many have been weighed down and hindered by refusing to give. Perhaps this year you cast off that weight, and begin to be radically generous?
Reasons to Tithe
Dr William Forkess, over 100 years ago, wrote an article with 27 reasons that you should tithe. I don't want to run you through the whole list, but here are some that really spoke to me:
1. "It is scriptural - approved of God in the Old Testament and supported by Christ's words in the New." This is true. It is the calling of God's people, in Scripture, to tithe.
3. "It is spiritual, for personal faith is called into play." He's right about that - tithing is a tremendous act of faith that teaches you to truly trust God.
5. "It is a crushing blow against selfishness." Amen! The person who tithes faithfully has broken the need to keep all that money for themselves and trust in it.
9. "It enables the church to frequently plan far ahead for an enlarging work." Yes, your giving to your church means that the leadership can put together plans for greater ministry, without having to hope that enough comes in.
11. "It establishes the individual as a financial steward - accountable to God." When you see yourself not as a person who has money but as a person whom God has lent money to for His purposes, it changes everything. Tithing helps you to see it that way.
19. "It makes us twofold before God - our hand held out to give as well as to receive." Most of us come to God with open hands, don't we, asking for His blessing. How many of us go back to Him with a tenth or more to say, "use this in my local church, Lord"?
Giving as an Act of Worship
They're all great points, and they all have motivated me to think how I might be more generous and faithful in my giving this year.
Don't let your money weigh you down in your effectiveness as a Christian. Be freed from its hold, cast it aside! And be a person who embodies the words of Jesus: "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
Money can become an idol that hinders our Christian witness unless we practise generous giving. Consider whether tithing would free you from financial selfishness and allow you to support the gospel more effectively.