Why is tithing one of the most hated topics in church? Most people think that a church is only after your money. I am sure for some that may be true, but for most it is not. Church like every other organization needs money to survive and without a steady income, the church is likely to close its doors.
We are commanded by God to tithe. It is as simple as that and in my opinion, if you do not do it then that is a sin. Most of us work for money, so giving 10% of what you make is the right thing to do, but for a lot of us it is hard to part with that stuff. However, for those that deal in trade, you are also supposed to give 10%. If that means you give 10% of your crops or cattle or whatever, then that is what you are supposed to do.
Matthew 23:23 New International Version (NIV)
23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
The above verse was from Jesus and He basically said we should tithe, but there are other verses which seem to give a different approach.
2 Corinthians 9:7 New International Version (NIV)
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This above verse does not negate tithing, but rather God wants you to give because that is what you want to do not because you are required to do it. Lets face it, when we are instructed to do something sure we may do it, but we are not always happy about it.
I am sure this is how most people who attend church feel. They feel like they are being told they have to give versus them wanting to give. Take Christmas, how many of you are happiest when you are giving a gift because you want to give one versus feeling like you have to give one because it is expected? I would venture to say that all of us are happiest when we do it because we want to.
I am no exception. I give because I am required to give, but that is the wrong attitude. I am more likely to give to the local food bank freely than I am to give to the church. Part of it is due to how I was raised, that the church only wants my money. I heard this time and time again as a child. Everyone that gives needs to do so because it is what they want to do. Please do not take this wrong way and stop giving because you really do not feel like it, but rather change your attitude. This along with the other sins I have could be the very reason why I am not as blessed as others or why I cannot hear God. While the attitude is mine to control, I need help from God to change it and the rest of me.