Not what I expected, tithing and the poor family

   This weeks sermon was on greed, from Andy Stanley's book Enemies of the Heart.  From talking to my wife and other church members I think it didn't come across right, however.  I hate to say it but church left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth this week, and I wasn't alone.  The message to give is important and a strong one but when it is virtually demanded that you tithe before you pay your power bill, I have trouble getting behind that.  Times have changed, I'm afraid, and this is something that is struggling to adapt.
  
   I write this blog, which is my version of ministry.  I love it and the responses I get from people.  I will admit that I get excited when I see that people read it and even more so when they comment.  I feel that this is how God is telling me to make an impact on the world.  However, I don't ask for money.  I have thought about monetizing but I haven't.  It just doesn't feel right to try and live on God's word.  I have a job, it pays my bills and a little more now and then but I am hardly much above the poverty line.  A full 10% would cripple my family and what I am trying to do for couples outside of this blog. 

   Contextually tithing came as a way for the Levite clan to have an inheritance, which they were not given by God.  In exchange for taking care of the Tabernacle they were to receive 1/10 of the crops and animals raised by the other Jews.  I am over simplifying that a bit, but you get the idea.  Today, there are so many ways to raise money that I have to wonder if a traditional tithe is even necessary anymore.  I firmly believe in serving the church and making sure they can pay their bills and such, but I can't do it by sacrificing my families security in the process.  The church is supposed to be generous as well.  I don't see them paying our bills, I don't see them supporting the widow when her husband dies.  I found that more than a bit irritating. 

  Do I think you shouldn't give?  No, absolutely not.  I think you should give with all your heart, but when is it time to receive?  I was told to trust in God and he will take care of me and I suppose that is true.  However, I am trusting in God when He tells me that I can't sacrifice my room and board to satisfy an ancient tradition.  I spent well over ten percent of my salary this last check on biblical things.  I bought a new book to help with our "couples" outreach to help young and old relationships find God together.  I bought Kat a new audio version of the NIV Bible.  I bought Alex a new book of Bible stories.  All of this things I have acquired to help spread the Word of God in the ways he tells me.  The fact that I still managed to find twenty bucks for the offering plate I think is commendable.  It could actually mean me not eating breakfast or lunch this week, but now I feel like I am being asked for more.  I hope this is a trend that isn't going to continue as I don't feel like this is God's work. 

Greedy Little Hobbit-ses.

   So tonight is small group for Kat and I.  Usually we reflect on the last sermon but since last week was Resurrection Day service I am not sure if we will be going over that or looking forward to this weeks sermon which I assume to be on the chapter about greed from Enemies of the Heart.  Greed was an interesting chapter for me, one which I thought would really hit home.  However, as Andy Stanley describes it, I don't have as much trouble with it as I thought.  What I always equated to greed he describes as jealousy and that is an issue that plagues me.  Since next Sunday's sermon will likely address that I will wait and write about it next week. 
  
   Of course, I am hardly immune to greed.  I find myself scoffing at giving and tithing rankles me a bit.  However, I am overcoming that.  I came from a fairly poor family where there were times that even eating was a serious issue.  As a result I have found myself wanting to cling on to the things I have more than I should, I suppose.  At this time in my life it is doubly hard because I don't make stunning amounts of money and I am trying to support a family while putting my wife through college.  There are times that I would love to give more but I can't find the cash to do so.  I know I am hardly alone there either.

   Since I have financial trouble I decided to donate my time instead of my money and I think that is a good substitute for all those of you who are in the same boat as my family.  Since I am new to the whole Christianity world I am still seeking my place where I can help out best but I think that this blog is my first step into that world.  It really isn't much but it is just a start.  I know I want to try my hand at some missionary work in the future but it is likely going to have to wait until Kat graduates.  For now I am going to dedicate myself to study and writing, trying to share some of the inspiration that I am getting from the Bible and hopefully I can light the way for others to follow.  If nothing else, perhaps I can ease the struggles of someone else life, even if it is slightly.

   Thank you for reading everyone, if you like what I'm trying to do please mention my blog or post it on Facebook.  Also clicking "+1+ helps me to get a pressence on Google, which is always nice.  God Bless everyone!