A topic on giving tithes was discussed earlier on during of my lunch and it kept me thinking... and wondering... of why people has difficulties in giving tithes (10% of what they received) if they have 'extra' money. Well... I am of course thinking on the 'monetary' part. I used to just received a sum of money which is not even cover my monthly expenses and if I still wanna pay my tithes, that's mean, there will be some expenses which will not be cover at all. Those days, not only happen once or twice in my life, but for years... even until today. However, I always pay my tithes without going through the 'calcuation' part first as my parents always remind me to seek ye first the kingdom of God.
People who love investment know this, that even if they do not have a lot each month, when they come into investment, they will pay for it first. I have friends who consider that as 'wise' move. Well, if I put it to tithes, I guess a lots of people will choose to do their investment in shares, in bonds, in properties, insurance and all then tithes. Simply because of the concept of money making money. Giving tithes... the profit will NEVER come.. that's what most of the people think. Instead, investing in other forms of investments, one will get their return and profits double or triple folded in just a few months time.
Hence, our focus never... put on tithes. If the church is asking for tithes, people will said, the church is asking for money.. or charity. But if the insurance company is asking for a premium to be paid, even more than 10% of what we received, we never ask 'why' and being hesitate on it. We just give. For those who are more weathy... I just do not understand why is that so difficult to pay the tithes. Well, may be I never was in a stage where I am weathy enough to understand... but, if I can pay my tithes even if I do not have enough to eat... what's the problem with those who have extra?
I do not come from a weathy family. Most of our saving came from the hard work of my mother, who planted all the vegetables and cook cakes and food at home. Except Sunday, after church, we never eat our meals outside the house. From sugar with rice to nice roast pork and chicken, we usually have it at home. Well... with low education qualification at my parent's generation, we somehow survives... WELL. When I first started to work, I remember what my mother told me, that even though we struggle of what to eat sometimes, but she never needs to even allocate tithes out from her pocket because she always give more than 10%. So she said, God is faithful and He will bless. Well... and she continue saying, not only He bless us now in this fallen world, but we have invested in His kingdom too, a place where we know, is permanent.
Well, ... so, can someone tell me, if we can survive all these while, why can't you if you have the extra income in your pocket? Why is that so difficult to give? Are we not suppose to prepare ourselves for the FUTURE? Or have you not know what's your future?
- Preparation ... ! -
