Like any Bible truth., we need to see the truth from God's perspective. It's not the amount but it's the principle of the tithe I mentioned in my post before. What are our motives? Abraham was not under the law yet he honored God and gave 10% and more. I believe in giving like that.
When we are open to the truth that all we have is Gods., we will act it out in our lives in all areas. Money is a major issue for us humans. It represents our time at work and what we spend money on reflects our lives. In my case and in the case of many., having money was the only thing standing between me and the streets. But that is not really true at all. Jesus is the only one standing between me and the streets.
Have you ever tried to give 10% of your income? I'll say it's a major chunk humanly speaking., enough for a car payment. When I physically give the money I earn "away" and am trusting God to do with it as He pleases I'm acting in faith that God is reeeeaallly evolved in my life. This is reeealllly His money. He is REALLY here and He is REALLY my Father and Jesus is REALLY my Savior and Shepherd and His promises are real.
So real that what seems to be more real and solid (from our limited flesh and blood eyesight) like money in hand .....isn't. It's about where my trust is and it matters for me and for Jesus. Even my little bit of giving shows me and God where my trust is. And He has blessed me as I go. This is not a rule that we have to do. This is something that we have to be called to. If you're not called to this than don't do it. As was posted here., we don't give out of guilt or fear. For me it's a matter of trust and an act of faith and because of Jesus., it all works out.
My situation showed me clearly from where my help really comes from. And I was so moved by the love of Christ for me I began depending not on money anymore. Instead I put that faith and dependence on my Father God. Jesus promises to take care of us when we lean on trust and rely on Him for all our needs in our lives. Our faith steps out and things happen.
Seriously., sooo many years our family said we trusted God yet we held on to all the security this life could give us and we were empty and always lacked. I never knew how to trust God until I began learning how much He loves me in Christ. We love God because we learn how much He loved us first. We can't help but want to love Him back and give our lives over to Him. That is what the love of God did for me.
Yes - gross not net and and more, lots more.
I do understand your point really I do.
My point was that there are times a tithe is not enough and God challenges
to give more. That might happen for example to teach us that money cannot
support and save us, as you say that comes from God. It might be that we are asked
to give sacificially (I don’t mean as in give all your money to TV smooth talkers).
It might be that God puts it in your heart to support some evangelistic
undertaking.
We've had a big new church building given to us by God free, it was estimated
to be £20 million but God arranged circumstances in such an amazing way that
it was provided free.
There is one block on site which stands apart from the main church building,
which we have raised funds a few million, to renovate. It’s where the church
offices, and most of the young peoples and children’s work is carried out, along
with councilling facilities.
As a church we gave for that and have built/renovated that debt free.
It might be to support overseas missions etc.
Then as I mentioned in my first post, it might be that God says I would rather
you get out of debt first and free yourself, before giving to me.
As a church we are Christians against poverty centre (there are several in
the UK).
It is a Christian based Work to help people out of debt while showing them
the love of God. Also money management courses are held to help people
budget.
If finances are so tight that you can’t afford it eat for days at a time and rely on
food banks, it makes no sense to tithe. What will you tithe? A tin of beans!
The CAP course teaches people to take responsibility for finances and to
get back into a position where (for Christians), they can start to give
again. In the meantime they consider giving in other ways. God always
honours that and does an amazing work among people who take that course.
It has also led many to Christ.
some may be led to give a lot more than a tithe, than for a time it
might be that you end up receiving that money. After all the money goes
somewhere doesn’t it. It goes to circumstances and people who need it.
My point was that to pick out a figure and say people must give that
percentage, does not allow for God to say I want more or to say, keep
it for the time being and do something else for me instead.