https://odb.org/MY/2023/01/28/the-pink-coat
As believers, we are often confronted with the issue of giving. Non-believers usually can not fully understand the motivation for Christians to give as the default position in the world is to measure most actions with cost and benefit. If we incur a cost (when we give), we must see what’s the benefit to us. In fact, the less the cost but the bigger the benefit, the better! The benefit, however, need not be immediate for the discerning as it can be a long-term investment or even intangibles like a better health condition or more favourable living environment. But it is nevertheless a cost benefit analysis. That is why, in line with the prevalent thinking of the world, advocates of the prosperity gospel preach that if we were to pledge or give to their cause, God will reward us 10x more. So many jumped onto the bandwagon to exploit this heavenly principle, and although many may have benefited, it is, in my view, not the correct approach to giving to the Lord and His cause.
I have experienced churches that advocate the giving of 10% of our income as tithes with another 10% as offerings, the distinction being made for tithes to be for full-time ministers and offerings for the upkeep of the church. Any other giving, whether for the poor or the needy, are to come out of our income post the 20% and for some churches the other giving also includes the giving for their building fund.
I remembered nearly 30 years ago, when a well known outside preacher came to town and preached for Christians to give into his ministry to break open heaven’s doors for the outpouring of God’s blessings, local churches were alarmed that their source of income may be affected. Perhaps that’s the reason for the emergence of the teaching that we must first prioritise our local churches in our giving. Give that 10% or 20% first, then if we still have excess or more to give, then give to external causes. I have also heard of the extreme where members are required to give even if they have to borrow to do so. There could be peculiar reasons why this was taught, but in my view, it takes giving to the edges of what is right and wrong.
I think while there are good biblical justification (Malachi 3:10) to advocate the giving of 10% of our income since tithes literally mean 10%, I am sure we should not limit ourselves to only 10% or to have the artificial segmentation like some churches do. In the end, it’s not the quantum that matters but the motivation and the thought.
I think the important thing is to give the amount that God has placed in our hearts to give and to give consistently to the best of our abilities. It should be something we could afford, and we should be at liberty to give to worthy causes and to help the poor and needy, including our friends, colleagues, and family who are in need because that is what is dear to God’s heart.
We give as prompted by the Spirit because we are thankful and grateful for His grace and compassion for us, for calling us to eternal glory. We don’t give with the hope to receive more, but we give because we want to give something back to God for His love and sacrifice on the cross. As we give into His Kingdom, we pray that more will get to hear the Good News and have their lives turned around. When we have the opportunity to give into the Kingdom and that I believe includes helping the poor and needy, we are actually sowing riches in heaven. What better way to store up treasures in heaven than to use our God-given and God-blessed earthly riches for the furtherance of His Kingdom? Be a cheerful and generous giver. It’s only right that as God blesses us that we bless others!
Ronnie's Thoughts 