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 the 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 to get out of debt, and then you can give God your money.
Do not bow to the pressure of the tithing threats while you are in debt. 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 were 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 relevant: 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”.
In the end, the truth is we will be judged by our investments. Whether we are in debt or not, God will burn up our works like wood, hay, and stubble if we’ve invested in worldly things. 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 than they are reaped miraculously, such as money falling from the sky. You will reap what you sow. 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. However, I wouldn’t pass that up.
There are only two paths you can take toward 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?
Lori M says
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.
Anne says
I agree with you Lori. Anyone who has tithed properly knows that it is much easier with God then without him. learning about credit is important, but I would never stop tithing. Thats just my personal beliefs.
The Reformer says
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.
maya says
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.
Daniel says
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.
Sam says
You obviously are not living in the real world. I have given my tithes to the church for over 20 years and I was bound by that legalism. Even though I never thought twice about defrauding God by not tithing, I did not receive, and I repeat, did not receive the flood gates of heaven pouring out a blessing. Malachi is taken out of context. I have done an indepth study (as an elder of our church) and have discovered the reality of tithing. It’s old testament law buttered up and served as new testament teaching. We are under grace and never justified by law. Before you judge your brother, research it yourself. God bless and seek truth always. Not the tradition of man.
Daniel says
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.
Daniel says
Jesus*
MSG says
I have been so confused about tithing and giving. First, I go to church and my husband does not. We are deeply in debt barely making it day to day. My husband says it does not make sense to tithe when we are in debt and that tithing was old testament. He is willing to give (not tithe) when our debts are paid down.
Some teachings give the idea that we will never improve financially if we do not tithe. Some teachings say, “Don’t bribe God.” Some teachings say, “test God.”
So, I am confused about that. Fundamentally, I feel it is not honoring God to be in debt. It is not honoring God if I give money to the church in direct contradiction to my husband’s wishes.
Also, is it regular for churces to count the collections before church is dismissed?
Jared Brian says
MSG,
THanks for visiting the blog. It would seem to be best that you honor your husbands wishes. Not only will you be out of debt, but you will also be an encouragement to him. That’s 2 birds with one stone.
There is no teaching in the bible that says our finances will flourish if we tithe. God blesses us on the amount of faith, he does not use measuring cups that calculate how much we give. If you sow some faith and give money towards a cause for God, then you will reap faith. You will not necessarily reap money. In other words, you will reap the rewards of faith, not money.
Every time you obey God and trust in his word you are testing his word and his promises that come with it. Giving money through faith is one way that we test God’s promises. Our faith is not a “dare” or a “tease” for God. We are not suppose to tease God, or deceitfully dare Him. But every day we do have opportunities to prove him.
– jared b
Gwaine says
A few comments to help towards a balance:
I would say that God blesses both faith and how much someone gives: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” [2 Cor. 9:6]. If He was only concerned about one’s faith, there would be no talk about the two words in contrast: “bountifully” and “sparingly”. How much we give is as vital as the faith we seek to demonstrate.
@MSG,
I would agree with the first part of that quote – it is not honouring God to be in debt. But the second part should be carefully considered. I’m not inferring anything negative, but I find many people these days give the impression that their spouses have the final word on what happens in Church. More like: between ‘honouring God‘ and the wishes of one’s spouse‘, where is one’s faith inclined? This is not saying that it is either one or the other that should rule our lives; and that’s why I would pray for wisdom.
Perhaps, that’s a way that some churches seek to demonstrate their transparency in financial matters. It does not have to always be that pattern; but I wouldn’t be unduely concerned about it.
Ram says
in regards to tithing. I have belonged to a small Full-gospel, christ centered church all my life. In all those years we have never made 10% tithing part of the way God has led this church. People give, including me, what the Lord lays upon your heart. In the past 55 years we had two church built. The first one God provided the money to pay the church off in 1 year, just by the LORD touching the hearts not buy this prosperity gabble, and the second one we are now in, provided the money to buy the land, build the church, we had a small mortgage for about 1.5 year, and the Lord made the way for the church to be paid in full with in that 2 year period from the start. We are only 125 at the most, but GOD can move mountains, and as HE leads us to do/give what HE wants us to give HE Blessed it. The are no rich people in the church, but with GOD ALL things are possible. Trust in the Lord to speak to your heart, not some TV evangelist putting guilt on you to give or else! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!
Chris says
I wish I could find a church like that.
Bill says
I too believe that the “tithe” and offerings are being misused by the church leadership for selfish and positional gain in the community, and the poor, widows, and orphans in our community get left overs or “state” money to help them out. I confronted my church leadership about obtaining an annual report that broke down last years offerings and showed the distribution of resourcs. I was told that “we haven’t created anything like that yet”. Then I was told that if I didn’t trust church leadership that I need to find a new church where I can trust leadership. Still in shock at this development. Very disenchanted with the church (little c)right now.
Jared Brian says
Bill,
thanks for your comment. These people are foolish. It’s not a matter of trust, it’s a matter of accountability, openness, and participation. The issue is that they don’t trust you. They don’t want you to participate in the financial input. They don’t want your opinion on how it is to be spent. After all, God only blessed the administration with the ability to figure out these issues, right?
Hey, here’s a suggestion, ask them if you can be responsible with creating the annual report. In the end, if they don’t open the books, i would get out of there.
The Church is not a business operation with a set of board members who have access to private information, and are the only ones privileged to vote and provide input. With all the fraud, scams, and theft in the Church today there is no reason to withhold information.
msg says
Thanks to all of you who tried to help me make $en$e of several concepts that were colliding.
The progress since I wrote the original note has been rather odd.
I stopped going to church. I stopped tithing. I stopped giving financially, for now. I have started a new job. My husband received a quasi-promotion. We are watching our spending. (Shhh–I shop Good Will and Salvation Army for business attire, Payless for shoes). Each family member has a cell phone–which we feel is important to maintain communication; but we got rid of the landline. I either bring lunch or dine from $1 menus.
I choose to honor God by paying my bills and honoring my husbands wishes. I confessed the sin of “giving against his wishes and behind his back”.
Ram says
In response to Bill, Our small church, from the time we became one which is now 100 years, every 6 months we are given a report were every penny is spent. In all 100 years, we have never paid the pastor. These are men of God who He raised up among us, to bring the gospel of Jesus in truth and humility. God has always raised up someone to be the pastor. They have never been compensated, they all worked, or like now, my Uncle is pastor, are retired, so they can be dedicated to the leading of the Lord.
To God be the Glory.
Ram says
To MSG. I understand why you stopped giving. About 20 years ago, my husband, even tho he believed and cameto church with me, didn’t like me giving to a certain outreach group, because money was tight, and he also didn’t understand that the Lord laid that on my heart. But now, we give to a few truthful ministries, and to other worthwhile groups that help the needs of people. He is happy that we do, and the Lord has made him to feel this way. I am thankful that now we can do it together, and with love and caring for the work of the Lord, and groups like the salvation army.
To God be the Glory.
Gwaine says
Hi folks,
We all can be thankful for men who are raised by God to preach the Gospel and build the Body of Christ. Indeed, Scripture makes clear that Christians should support those called of God to preach the Word – 1 Cor. 9:11-12; Gal. 6:6 and 1 Tim. 5:17 amongst others. Some receive financial support from the saints, while others may choose to not do so – each one as he so determines, and no one should glory over another in these matters.
When problems arise, we can prayerfully identify them and seek godly solutions. We don’t need to approach problems with vexed spirits, uncouth language and reactions of the flesh.
To msg, I’m sorry to read about your recent reply, not because you stopped tithing or giving financially – but more especially because you stopped attending church. Is God “honoured” by that choice?
Cheers.
freewillgiver says
Ram you are a preist so fellowship through radio, teliphone or with your family. There are so many ministries as you have already discoverd. There are home Bible studies.
Missionaries need support. Send kids to Christian school, Listen to Christian music and buy Christian films. Tell others about Jesus who do not know him and you will be your own ministry. Church is every moment of every day becuse we are in Christ. If you Pray you will be connected deeply with others who desire more of Jesus without needing payment.
A true Christian can never be outside of the Church becase the Church is the Body of Christ. Going to church = ‘Where ever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus”.
Bulldings and paid ministers are mostly unnessisary for Today. If the Levites and priest got by on food why do Christian “leaders” need money?
Where was the tithe of Moses (the only required tithe) Where was the tithe of the Law ever money?
If every Christian is a priest and part of the Body of Christ how can only some be the tithe taker “storehouses” for money?
Paul the writer of most of the new testement worked in an ancient primitive third world enviroment and went to third world prisons preaching the gospel and making tents.
The highest money tithe paid “Christian? leaders” Televangelist, are the worst. The lowest paid Christian Missionaries are usually the the best Christians. All Christian leaders should be like Paul and missionaries.
Christ in us
Steve says
Reaping and sowing. I am confused. If you sow a life of debt will you not reap a life of debt? Same as if you sow to get out of debt will you not reap a debt free life? This makes sence to me, but I still tithe 10% every month and I’m still in debt. I have prayed that God would help get out from under this burden. I do see how all the money that I tithe with would get me out of debt fairly quickly, but I am too afraid of not tithing and being disobedient to God. It just confuses me too much. Some days I’m at peace with it and other days I’m not.
PB says
I was like you ,I was paying my tithes faithfully every month and every month because I paid by cheque I was incurring extra bank charges. One day while I was praying about my debt the Lord told me that I was not honouring him by being in debt. The money that I was paying was 2 weeks rent , a week’s groceries 1 month’s lunch for my 3 children plus each month we were getting more and more in arrears. It was a hard decision but having made it we are no longer in arrears and my home is happier because everyone ( all 5 of us) are contented. We also recognised that we were also giving our time freely to ministry which as they say time cost money so this meant that job opportunities were passed up which could have helped us to get out of debt quicker. We have since left that ministry and God has lead us to a ministry were our welfare in every aspect is acknowledge and we are happy.
freewillgiver says
Steve I have once felt exactly how you are feeling and then I discovered that Jesus has set us free from bondage.
Many Chrsitans do not believe in tithing but we do believe in giving to Jesus and people in need. If you give less than 10% to a church you are not in sin. Ask your pastor and consult the word. I bet that most pastors would not have you give to them if it puts you in debt.
Freind pay your debts and then give to ministries outside of your home. Pretend that somone who was not a Christian 1000 recetly leant you 1000 dollars. Then gave 1000 dollars to a church instead of paying him off. Would he not curse Jesus. I think that most non- Christians would curse Jesus.
In general Christians should pay their debts but Jesus is your Lord. Consult the scriptures and you will find that what I have stated might apply to you.
This site is about free will giving and most of us will pray that you stop tithing and start giving what you can to ministries outside of your home.
Christ in us!
freewillgiver says
Boy my English is horrible on that last post Pretend that instead of giving a person 1000 dollars that you owe him you gave 1000 dollars to a church. Would a non-Christian get closer to Jesus or would they curse Jesus in such an instance. However there are times to go into debt when giving to Jesus. You must pray,seek counsel, consult the word and do your duty as a holy priest in the body of Christ. Steve I will say a prayer for you.