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(Introduction portion of Chapter 10 only)
10
The Church Collection
Supporting the local church is good when it is done in the name of the Lord and with the correct priorities in place. However, this support should not be in the form of a mandatory monetary tithe followed by subsequent voluntary offerings - supposedly above and beyond the tithe. Many Christians typically give monetary tithes and offerings to the church, while at the same time ignoring the will of God - the main priority of which is meeting the needs of the poor.
Besides spreading the gospel, Christians are obligated to carry the burdens of others. However, the priority of today’s giving is in funding the needs of the local church facility, including building funds, electric bills, phone bills, sports teams, ministry and staff payroll, etc. Unfortunately, many focus on what the hands of man can build and forget about the less fortunate. Whatever is done, it is done in vain when Christians ‘first’ do not obey the will of God and their number one calling - to love thy neighbor.
Some churches have implemented benevolence programs, but not many are beneficial to the poor in their local congregation - simply ask those who need help financially. Given the priorities of many churches, Christians usually focus on church expenses and rarely on giving to those in need. This is how Christians ‘rob their neighbors.’ Instead of redistributing their blessings to the needy, most give it to something else through monetary tithes and offerings.
Non-tithing believers are usually on the receiving end of sermons and teachings, simply for holding on to gospel truths. Whether they know they are holding on to gospel truths or not, the conscience directed by the Spirit bears witness to what is right, and most Christians know when something is not in line with the will of God. Nevertheless, they are told they are disobedient, and will be cursed, for not giving the Lord the required tenth of their incomes. As a result of this pressure, they give monetary tithes anyway. Some Christians do recognize their freedom in Christ apart from the rules and regulations of Old Testament law. As a result, some tithing Christians may not realize their total freedom in the area of giving, and, thus, have unfairly thrown accusations at others over the issue of tithing.
This chapter presents an uncommon view of the collection of money taken up in the church. It shows the ill effect of monetary tithing on Christianity. First, this chapter depicts a day in the life of a Christian family in order to set the tone for the rest of the chapter. Following this are the concepts of certain kinds of giving - especially public giving and its downside. Next, the root of all kinds of evil and how it may be present in some believers is addressed. Finally, a scenario is given that paints a picture of how tithing churches are viewed in the absence of a ministry for the poor, and how such churches might have ended up this way.
Please keep in mind that this chapter is not meant to generalize. It only expresses worst case scenarios when rules prevent Christians from Spirit led giving.
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