Q & A, 2
Q: We live paycheck to paycheck...not because we have a lot of bills (we have no outstanding debt), but because it's all we make. How do we give 10% when we barely have enough for our own family? There is nothing to save.
A: First, I applaud your lack of debt. You are in the minority. I'm not sure how to answer your question without knowing your "lifestyle". I'd ask: what ARE you spending your $$ on? How much on housing? How much on entertainment? Do you have cable? Do you have a cell phone? Do you buy new cars? Where do you vacation? How much do you eat out? How much are you spending on internet (high speed or dial up)? Etc.
Those are all very personal questions, yet they have to be asked. Most (maybe not you) can save a lot more than they think they can by defining WANT vs. NEED.
Lastly, I would challenge you to right off the top try tithing for 3 months...trust God and see what happens...see if you are still able to live.
A: First, I applaud your lack of debt. You are in the minority. I'm not sure how to answer your question without knowing your "lifestyle". I'd ask: what ARE you spending your $$ on? How much on housing? How much on entertainment? Do you have cable? Do you have a cell phone? Do you buy new cars? Where do you vacation? How much do you eat out? How much are you spending on internet (high speed or dial up)? Etc.
Those are all very personal questions, yet they have to be asked. Most (maybe not you) can save a lot more than they think they can by defining WANT vs. NEED.
Lastly, I would challenge you to right off the top try tithing for 3 months...trust God and see what happens...see if you are still able to live.
posted by Pastor Phil Print at 5:24 PM
3 Comments:
I am once again impressed with Pastor Phil's approach & opinions on this subject. However, I have had some questions & concerns regarding this topic that are more of a universal nature than local or personal.
In my opinion, the same budget type questions could be asked of the 'church' receiving the 'tithe'. It seems to me that all of the teaching in the NT surrounding giving was to provide relief to persecuted & displaced believers that were scattered to various locations. The notion of funding a building & staff was not part of the concept when giving was addressed. That is not to say our present church concept & the consequent funding of it is not worthy of our attention. However, the funding of it by the saints obviously cannot compare to the joy & satisfaction that one gets from personally helping someone out of a crisis.
It is my opinion that the personal element of giving is lacking in our present structure & teaching on the subject. It is obviously more blessed to give than to receive when you have the benefit of being directly responsible & personally involved with changing peoples lives. It is not so rewarding to toss your 'tithe' in an offering each month.
Again, it is understood that both types of giving may be necessary under our current structure. However, it can be very difficult for many of us to afford both, while being cheerful & un-pressured when doing so.
t
We are a one income 50-something couple living on a very average Cottage Grove level income. Our two children are out on their own (mostly). We have pretty much always lived paycheck to paycheck and have had some big medical bills to deal with over the years. We have also followed the 10-10-80 plan that Pastor Phil described for some 25 years now. In the beginning we were doubting Thomas', but we have been blessed much more than we deserve.(I count my 1989 truck among those blessings.)
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