There is great purpose in this design, just as there is great purpose in the Lord's supper. It is about God, priorities, and thanksgiving. On the Lord's day we need to start the week with all of these things in mind.
As for how much to give, I recently heard a man talk about something I had never thought of before. While we struggle as the church to give 10% (we struggle as the church to give 5%), we are more than willing to give Mastercard and Visa 20%. The average family in America has somewhere between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 tied up in credit cards. Most of these cards have a 15%-20% interest rate.
If we can put our faith in the credit card companies, who care nothing about us, why can't we trust God by giving as bountifully? Perhaps if we didn't trust in uncertain riches, we would have more with which we could trust in the Lord.
I don't know how long we will continue to rob God (Mal. 3:8). But this double tithe has got to go.
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
Jeremiah,
ReplyDeleteA question regarding your opening statement about giving on each first day of the week - do you really think it is necessary/commanded for each person to give on every first day of the week if they are only paid, for instance, once a month? I get paid twice a month and I do make a contribution each week (except for months with 5 Sundays where I typically skip the last one). However, I don't think there would be anything wrong with making your full contribution on the first Sunday after you are paid. If you didn't make any money in the next week, then you could truly say that you had not prospered (if I am thinking about this correctly).
What are your thoughts? Am I off base on this?
Derek
Derek,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your question. I know you have considered this very seriously and I know that you would always do the right thing. I think it is hard to demand upon people that they give every Sunday, and yet I think it is also best. We come together to worship the Lord according to His commandments. We see that the apostles gave of their means, sang, studied the Bible and proclaimed it publicly, prayed, and partook of the Lord's supper when they assembled weekly. If we are truly going to pattern ourselves after the church of the Bible, I see no reason for leaving any of these things out when we assemble each Sunday. The amount one gives is not under question here, although it certainly is anytime you discuss everything there is to examine on giving. I think that every Christian could budget so as to give weekly regardless of when they receive their check. However, I don't think it is an outright sin to do diffently. I see it as the most Scriptual way to do it. And I also, from a spiritual standpoint, understand the benefits in giving every Sunday. Good question, and I appreciate the spirit in which it was asked.
Good seeing you at the hospital. Congratulations on the new baby girl.
ReplyDeleteThanks Matthew, it was good seeing you as well.
ReplyDelete