He’s Talking About Money Again

The subject of giving and tithing is a controversial topic among Christian circles. When I searched Google about Jesus’ teachings on money, a few websites came up boldly declaring the unscriptural basis of tithing that it almost sounded like its a bondage that you need to get free from.

I don’t want to start a riot here by asking this difficult question. I’m writing this because last Sunday, we happened to talk about giving and tithing in our small group and our discussion was very constructive. I know some people can have very strong feelings about the pros and cons of tithing and I don’t feel the need to present both sides here. This is not a treatise on ecclesiastical economics so I think I’ll just leave it for the experts to weigh both sides. In this devotional blog, I only intend to share why I personally think giving is good for us.

I give to God because I don’t understand His economic system. If you happened to read my life story, you will have known that I came from the poorest of families in rural Philippines. When I was a kid, we survived on less than five dollars a week. We were twelve in the family. American economics would tell us we were supposed to have died of hunger. Typical third world thing. But we knew Christ, and that made all the difference. We survived to tell the tale and I could only testify that it was God who helped us through those hard times.

I don’t need theological debates about whether or not to give my tithe. I came from nothing but Christ gave me everything. I have nothing to boast apart from what Jesus did in my life. For me, that’s reason enough to be grateful. Let the theologians and skeptics have their field day, as for me, I’m worshiping God with the money He gave me.