Actually, this has implications to the Biblical family, and I could use some of you scholarly folks' wisdom.
First the Setup ...
While some disagree, many or perhaps most Christians concede that there is a Biblical mandate to Tithe 10%, that in Malachi 3:10, God clearly identifies it as His own and accuses non-payers of theft.
Again, while some disagree, many of us have taken that passage as both directive and promise for our lives, such that no matter how many "urgent" demands may be clamoring for our money, we first pay our tithe, hopefully with a thankful heart for our Father's provision, hopefully with something extra added as offering or "seed money". also with a thankful heart, and trust God to then stretch the money, rebuke the devourer, or provide for our needs in whatever way He chooses, so that other verses will be fulfilled as well about the righteous not suffering lack (Ps 34:10).
It is to folks who share this viewpoint that this thread is addressed. If you don't believe in tithing, nor that God does honor the responsibility He assumes in these verses, fair enough. But this thread is using this viewpoint as a STARTING point, so debating it won't help with my question.
In a nutshell, I believe that every time we put God first by honoring Him with our tithe and offerings, regardless of visible circumstances, we testify to the watching universe that God is our Provider, and that He does indeed provide with sufficiency. I personally can and do report that He honors that testimony.
Now, the questions ...
Recently, while considering various writings about financial management, and the fact that a common habit of folks who build wealth (as opposed to those who perrenially struggle, such as, um, me) is that they "pay themselves first". Sorta like "pay God first". That sounded familiar. Got me remembering that old quote from the little book "The Richest Man in Babylon", "My life changed the day I truly understood that a portion of all I earn is mine to keep". Got me also remembering the passages in Proverbs about how a righteous man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. So I got to wondering ...
Would "paying myself first" so to speak, putting another tithe aside for saving and investment, regardless of competing, clamoring, urgent "requirements", also testify to the watching universe? If so, what? Would it testify that God has judged me worthy of life, and worthy of prospering? That He takes pleasure in MY prosperity (Ps 35:27; Pr 10:22). If so, could/should I do so with equal impunity, asking and expecting God to provide for these other clamoring "needs" regardless of the diversion of these funds? Would/does He hold Himself honor bound to honor that testimony?
Let's take it one step further. Can the same be said of setting aside yet a third 10% for accelerated repayment of personal debts? Does it testify? if so, what? That all God's commands are enablings? That He has commanded us to owe no man anything except love? (Ro 13:8) And that therefore, we can and must with impugnity, devote a portion of our income to that end, trusting that He will supply all of our remaining needs (food, shelter, clothing, transportation, meaningful work and relationships, etc.) as well? Has He agreed to go that far, in scripture?
Does it follow that refraining to do so testifies as well? A testimony at contrast with and more powerful than our words? Especially when it is said that we only truly believe what we act upon?
Whoop it up, folks! :lol: Opinions? Testimonies? Has anyone taken either or both of these two additional steps in faith, despite impossible looking circumstances? With what results? And what scriptures did you particularly use and hold onto?
Respectully, and with thanks,
Cecil
First the Setup ...
While some disagree, many or perhaps most Christians concede that there is a Biblical mandate to Tithe 10%, that in Malachi 3:10, God clearly identifies it as His own and accuses non-payers of theft.
Again, while some disagree, many of us have taken that passage as both directive and promise for our lives, such that no matter how many "urgent" demands may be clamoring for our money, we first pay our tithe, hopefully with a thankful heart for our Father's provision, hopefully with something extra added as offering or "seed money". also with a thankful heart, and trust God to then stretch the money, rebuke the devourer, or provide for our needs in whatever way He chooses, so that other verses will be fulfilled as well about the righteous not suffering lack (Ps 34:10).
It is to folks who share this viewpoint that this thread is addressed. If you don't believe in tithing, nor that God does honor the responsibility He assumes in these verses, fair enough. But this thread is using this viewpoint as a STARTING point, so debating it won't help with my question.
In a nutshell, I believe that every time we put God first by honoring Him with our tithe and offerings, regardless of visible circumstances, we testify to the watching universe that God is our Provider, and that He does indeed provide with sufficiency. I personally can and do report that He honors that testimony.
Now, the questions ...
Recently, while considering various writings about financial management, and the fact that a common habit of folks who build wealth (as opposed to those who perrenially struggle, such as, um, me) is that they "pay themselves first". Sorta like "pay God first". That sounded familiar. Got me remembering that old quote from the little book "The Richest Man in Babylon", "My life changed the day I truly understood that a portion of all I earn is mine to keep". Got me also remembering the passages in Proverbs about how a righteous man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. So I got to wondering ...
Would "paying myself first" so to speak, putting another tithe aside for saving and investment, regardless of competing, clamoring, urgent "requirements", also testify to the watching universe? If so, what? Would it testify that God has judged me worthy of life, and worthy of prospering? That He takes pleasure in MY prosperity (Ps 35:27; Pr 10:22). If so, could/should I do so with equal impunity, asking and expecting God to provide for these other clamoring "needs" regardless of the diversion of these funds? Would/does He hold Himself honor bound to honor that testimony?
Let's take it one step further. Can the same be said of setting aside yet a third 10% for accelerated repayment of personal debts? Does it testify? if so, what? That all God's commands are enablings? That He has commanded us to owe no man anything except love? (Ro 13:8) And that therefore, we can and must with impugnity, devote a portion of our income to that end, trusting that He will supply all of our remaining needs (food, shelter, clothing, transportation, meaningful work and relationships, etc.) as well? Has He agreed to go that far, in scripture?
Does it follow that refraining to do so testifies as well? A testimony at contrast with and more powerful than our words? Especially when it is said that we only truly believe what we act upon?
Whoop it up, folks! :lol: Opinions? Testimonies? Has anyone taken either or both of these two additional steps in faith, despite impossible looking circumstances? With what results? And what scriptures did you particularly use and hold onto?
Respectully, and with thanks,
Cecil