Tithing is a sensitive subject for many families. It is not a choice that can be made lightly. My husband and I prayed long and hard before making the decision to set aside 10% of our income and give it back to the church. Nine years ago when we made the decision to tithe we were by no means financially stable. We were just out of college with low paying starter jobs trying to pay off my student loan debt. For us it had a lot to do with putting our trust in God and starting our marriage with our finances grounded in faith based principles.
We have continued steadfast with our tithing journey throughout these nine years, through life’s ups and downs, three babies and daycare costs. It is a mindset for us not a choice. When a paycheck comes in the first thing that we do is set aside that 10% to give back. That might sound like a lot but I kid you not since the beginning of our tithing journey we have continued to improve our financial stability.
Financial stability definitely is something that comes with time and persistence. For me, part of the importance of tithing is knowing what it means for our families faith in God. We put God first and it really sets the tone for our spending for the rest of the month. It helps us to put more focus on what we really care about and love and less on what new thing we can acquire. It is so easy to get sucked into mindless spending that can really add up over time.
It is my challenge to you to give tithing a try. It is a personal journey that will not look the same for everyone. But I truly believe that a financial journey that has God at the center is a key factor to obtaining financial peace.
Luke 12:22-26 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Before jumping in, it is important to take a look at your budget. See if there is something that you could cut back on. Most of us have so many expenses that build up whether it is the daily trip to starbucks, fast food, take out, shopping, nails, hair. By no means am I saying that you should give up all things that bring you joy. But it is worth a question of what expenses are necessary and what expenses are not beneficial to your well being. After taking a long hard look at your finances I hope that you will see that it is a viable option for you as well.
Like I said this is a personal journey that only you can make decisions for. There is something about knowing that you are a part of a greater purpose that is bigger than yourself that is inspiring. It has made a huge difference for me and my family and I hope that it can do the same for yours. It was such an important decision that we made nine years ago and I would not change it for the world.