Does your business tithe?

Child of JC · #1 1st August 2012, 10:55 AM

Do you give a percentage of your profits (or revenues) back to God?

parsley · #2 11th August 2012, 08:24 AM

Great question. We have mixed it up from year to year. There's a decision though whether it's net, profit, personal income, and other variables. I know someone who didn't have enough work for an employee, and paid salary for them to work at a local homeless shelter several months until work came in.

Some pizza stores sponsor local kids' teams, or donate to the fire department, which shows a similar open-handed policy.

A certain big box store gives generously to the community, and posts a bulletin board of all the thank you notes and photos of sports teams. It's surprising that a standardized branch would have the freedom to do that, but they stand firmly behind their stance -- and create a very warm, trusting community feeling. For them, it is also a wise business move because it pays off in the long run.

The ways they donate are more like leaving the outer tenth of the field for the poor and wayfarer to eat from. It's such a nice witness to the community, whether Christian or not.

I've been in discussions with churches also, about setting aside a percentage for missions and alms. Many do without thinking. But some cut back, forgetting how God has sway in their finances. Churches are different bc the tithe scripturally goes to the church/priesthood, who decide how donations are dispensed. But the priesthood did not own land, the people donate a lot of time that the priesthood would have, and we no longer offer edible sacrifices.

gospeljay · #3 14th August 2012, 11:27 PM

Jesus was a charitable person and in order to become closer in your relationship with God and his son, you must try to be like him. I feel like any amount of money you are comfortable giving away helps build that relationship as you know God will take care of you no matter what. Plus knowing that my money going to the church, children, poor people, disabled, etc. humbles me.

Child of JC · #4 15th August 2012, 09:09 AM

Thank you for not going off on the legal stuff. Some people can't even hear the word "tithe" without accusing others of being legalistic.

My husband and I want to grow as a givers. It would be nice to always give without fear, but that's not who we are yet. Fact is, to grow as a giver you have to give. We're cheerful givers- we want to be extravagant givers.

A few years ago I had a job that I hated. I prayed for a new one for many years but He did not answer my prayers. In the end God challenged me to quit my job. He said I needed to learn that He could provide for me better than I could provide for myself. I told my husband what I believed God was saying and he told me to leap out in faith and that we would trust God. I quit.

He has provided for us! In fact, we don't have any money in our bank accounts and I believe He is going to make a way for us to build a 25 room motel! So of course we're going to glorify Him with the revenues from the business.

We have just approached the bank this week for financing.

Stay tuned.

happyfrog · #5 16th August 2012, 08:56 AM

Yes to tithe 10% of your profits belong to the Lord

parsley · #6 16th August 2012, 10:14 AM

The bank will want collateral -- house liens etc.

Thank you for not going off on the legal stuff. Some people can't even hear the word "tithe" without accusing others of being legalistic.

I tend to be a legalist so you won't hear it from me, lol.

My husband and I want to grow as a givers. It would be nice to always give without fear, but that's not who we are yet. Fact is, to grow as a giver you have to give. We're cheerful givers- we want to be extravagant givers.

There's a tricky balance to that when operating a for-profit business. You still need to stay in complete control of the funds and keep everything on your own terms. Otherwise there are people ready and eager to take advantage of vulnerabilities.

That's a reality which has been around for centuries, even in the time Jesus asked us to pray for those who persecute us. Heaping hot coals. He has to be at the center, and His power needs to work through all situations. Otherwise, we can fall and get trampled so easily.

If you are looking for investors, which would be wise in a faith venture like that, keep that same mindset -- you are in charge of your business. Don't give in to an entity that will be overly manipulative or take too high a percentage of income or control. And make sure that any agreements don't allow room for drug deals or other illegal operations running through your business.

I hope it comes together smoothly for you. What an adventure you will have!

happyfrog · #7 16th August 2012, 10:25 AM

All I know all blessings received Lord receives 10% back

EdifyEmpower · #8 29th August 2012, 12:40 PM

Great!

Child of JC · #9 30th August 2012, 08:03 AM

We were approved for our first loan yesterday. 2 More to go!

Child of JC · #10 30th August 2012, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by parsley

The bank will want collateral -- house liens etc.

Thank you for not going off on the legal stuff. Some people can't even hear the word "tithe" without accusing others of being legalistic.

I tend to be a legalist so you won't hear it from me, lol.

My husband and I want to grow as a givers. It would be nice to always give without fear, but that's not who we are yet. Fact is, to grow as a giver you have to give. We're cheerful givers- we want to be extravagant givers.

There's a tricky balance to that when operating a for-profit business. You still need to stay in complete control of the funds and keep everything on your own terms. Otherwise there are people ready and eager to take advantage of vulnerabilities.

That's a reality which has been around for centuries, even in the time Jesus asked us to pray for those who persecute us. Heaping hot coals. He has to be at the center, and His power needs to work through all situations. Otherwise, we can fall and get trampled so easily.

If you are looking for investors, which would be wise in a faith venture like that, keep that same mindset -- you are in charge of your business. Don't give in to an entity that will be overly manipulative or take too high a percentage of income or control. And make sure that any agreements don't allow room for drug deals or other illegal operations running through your business.

I hope it comes together smoothly for you. What an adventure you will have!

thanks for the advice Parsely. Good stuff.