Barriers to Generosity - Too Much Tithing?

13-Mar-2012

That’s right.  Too much tithing can stunt your growth as a giver (and the other givers in your church).

I had a conversation about tithing with my grandfather when he was 82 years old.  He had tithed faithfully his entire adult life.  But no one ever challenged him to think beyond 10% giving.  As a result, he never grew into his full giving ability.  This is a shame because Grandpa had a heart for God.  He likely would have embraced the challenge if given an example to follow.

Too often the church is focused on the 90+% who give 2% or less of their income to the Kingdom.  I believe Jesus wants to challenge the 5% who tithe as well.

For some folks, tithing may not even be considered "acceptable."  Jesus called the rich farmer a fool.  It was not because he was not a giver at all.  He may have been a giver in some way… maybe even a tither.  We don't know for sure.  But his folly was that he was not “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

Tithing can be good for you, and your church.  It has helped many people grow in their generosity.  And it’s a wonderful practice for church funding.  But it can also stand in its way by limiting our gifts.

As a church, if we are not encouraging all of our people in the giving journey – even the tithers – we can stunt the growth of many willing disciples…and even worse, the Church at large.

How about you?  What’s been your experience with tithing?


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