Money....the root of all evil.
And of course that's not to say money in itself is bad, but is it any wonder there is confusion in this area?
Fact... there are preachers out there that will push tithing (the 10% rule) as a command from God when as far as I can tell it is not. If it were a command, it would be clear and completely obvious like the other commandments, and it is far from that. It can only be falsely proven out with much talk and twisting here and there...something most of us can see through if we want to bother to pay attention. If we want to be sheep of mans flock and not part of Jesus' flock, believe all anyone tells you without question....our choice.
The Tithe has been drilled into the heads of most of us since birth so naturally some are going to believe it's a fact, but again there is far from good evidence to support it. To them, I'd suggest using a little common sense, realizing money IS involved here and what man tends to do, and always have done with matters involving money....they just want more, so at best they see what they want to see when it comes to what the Bible says on the subject. At worst, those preachers don't bother seriously looking into it because they are afraid of what they will find and what it may cost them, and at the very worst, some preachers know Tithing (still talking the 10% rule here) isn't biblical but they not only twist and turn things to make it look Biblical to their trusting audience, but furthermore, they try to convince you to give even more to their cause, that cause being themselves.
Just ask yourself where you really got the idea Tithing was Biblical from, men or the Bible? And before I get slammed, all that doesn't include all preachers by any means. However, if they preach Tithing as a rule/command from God, I'd be very leery of them. I'm sure enough it's not Biblical that I'd dare say those are preaching lies, and no matter how good they may be or seem to be, there is no excuse and that should not happen...especially in situations involving preachers/teachers of Gods word.
If we are told anything long enough and often enough it can become fact, whether it is or not. So especially in an area where some man has something to gain, always prove out what they are telling us and never assume because religion/Christianity is involved that people are telling the truth....we all know some of the things that go on in the name of Christianity.
And since some, even though I was clear, will take that to mean we shouldn't as Christians give to others and support our Church, we should...or better said, not so much the Church/Church building, support that if that's where you fellowship, and if not support wherever you fellowship, whether it be your home or under a tent. It's a necessity to support the teaching of Gods word, and I mean the truth so, if we know of someone special that is good at that, whether we attend their services or not, might even want to consider helping them do what they do so well. But be very sure you are supporting teachers/preachers that teach the untwisted hard truth, and we shouldn't just think to ourselves because I have a lot of good friends here or whatever, I'll let insincerity of the leaders slide. I wouldn't support anything that doesn't jibe with Gods truth in the Bible, if we do so, we are working against God.
I do feel it's a command/rule that we give to the poor, whether we do that through the church, online, directly, or if we don't have the money or would even rather keep our money, that's fine, we can volunteer our services to help the poor, same thing. If there are times we cannot help with services/money, don't worry about it...use common sense, you know when a situation arises where you need what you have for self or family. As long as we help when we can, or even go a little further if we choose....we are good to go in that we are doing as Jesus expects us to do, as well as building a better future for ourselves in Heaven....mighty good investment.
I should add right here, I feel God blesses giving so we may find, unless we choose an extravagant, all about us/self lifestyle, if we give of ourselves/money, we might just find we are never in need and always able to give. (And that doesn't mean we can't do some things just for ourselves...moderation). But please don't confuse that with giving to some preacher, especially TV preachers but even some local preachers that tell you how much you will the blessed if you pledge/send money to them. They can get to you, believe me, I've been there, and I know. Don't let them con you out of your money, the money meant for Gods work, money that will only go to support horrible so-called ministries efforts if you let it.
It's really as simple as a good heart/love and using God given Holy Spirit/common sense. Trust others, but never assume all can be trusted. Read the Bible for yourself for the few simple things required of us and don't depend solely on others for your knowledge of Gods word. Always question teachers/preachers or something that doesn't sound right, no matter who says it. And always "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". I know that verse may sound like over simplification, but it really works and really does make things simple, at least for the most part.
