Just opened and read AWP member Lorraine Cohen’s eletter that talks about ‘tithing’.

Her perspective is a little different than what those of us raised in ‘church’ have come to understand about ‘tithing’.  I was taught that we are admonished to give back to God at least 10% of our earnings or wealth as a gift to Him.  And that the returning of the gift ought not be associated with what we might receive in return.  It does say in Malachi 3:10 that we should “test” Him and see what He will do when we gift back.

I’ve included the link to Lorraine’s blog entry on ‘tithing’ and encourage you to read it for yourself: http://www.powerfull-living.biz/blog/2008/02/22/tithing-a-powerfull-way-to-attract-money-or-anything-else-you-want/.

I may be off-base, but I read her rendition of tithing more from the law of attraction perspective than from the Biblical encouragement to gift back.  I think the outcome is the same - regardless of what we call it.

The one difference is that some want to tell us that the 10th belongs to the local congregation or religious organization.  I even heard a pastor say that to his congregation recently.

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that bringing the 10th into the “storehouse” does not necessarily mean into a church congregation or religious institution.  When we give of our means to others who are in need - then I think we’re ‘tithing’ our gifts.  I recognize that the local congregation must pay the bills on fancy buildings (oops, a bias is showing) and other various asundry other things.  But I look at organizations - quasi-religious organizations - that spend almost every cent given for the benefit of others.  One that comes to mind is the Salvation Army.  Regardless of the tenets of their faith confession, they don’t, for the most part, worship in expensive fancy buildings.  They do, on the other hand, rise up to meet human needs whenever and wherever the need arises.

I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent!  There is truth to how Lorraine talks about ‘tithing’.  It does release heavenly storehouses - but, in my humble opinion, that should never be the reason we do it.  God is interested in our motivation for anything.  If our motivation for giving back to Him is to get from Him, then our motivational viewpoint may be a wee bit off!

Anyway, I found her eletter and blog provocative and thought I’d share it with all. 

Finally I will say that I am committed to tithing - not just to a church or religious organization.  And when I’ve given without thought of recompense - God has blessed in return.

It’s always good to reflect on our reason for doing most anything - particularly when it involves returning just a small portion to a Papa that is so lavish in His blessings to us!

Have an awesome and safe evening!

Linda