Giving these days can be tough, but not giving can have an affect on many of us. I admit that I don’t tithe very often, but when I do tithe at church, or give to a charity it helps me feel better as a person. I feel that I am doing my share, I am giving a small but meaningful contribution to people I may not even know but can know through time.
I have to tell the truth, I work only one day a week and get some SSI and SSDI, so for me tithing isn’t easy, it is financially hard at times but I still manage to give something. There are times when I feel as if all the church wants is my money but instead of seeing the big picture, I tend to feel sorry for myself; and make excuses for myself. Well if I worked longer hours or if I worked more days I could give more.
It really isn’t the amount you give, it is rather HOW a person gives. Do they gripe and complain or do they give with a thankful and heartfelt joy of knowing they are definitely doing their part.
This is how I have learned to be a cheerful giver, first I think of what and where I would be without the Lord Jesus in my life, then I thank him for all He has done for me. How He has helped me through very difficult times in my life.. how He has made me realize how much God really and truly values and loves me just the way I am, even with all my flaws and imperfections. I heard that God doesn’t make junk..He makes everyone suited for His purpose in life but it is up to us to follow His direction and instruction.
Just think, if one penny was given by each person in the world to one specific place ( church or charity), how much more would they have in they give their actual 10% of their income?
There are many churches, many charities and at times it can be confusing as to which one to give your 10% to; well that is where Gods guidance comes in. All that is needed is for you to listen and put His direction into ACTION.
It is how we manage our money as well, let us say we go to the store and we see a beautiful blouse or see a nice pair of designer jeans that may only fit for a short time or go out of style in a season. It is how we manage our money that matters. Instead of buying things we truly don’t need, tithe that money instead, who knows you may be feeding a baby, toddler or it could be your own relative who may not let you know they are in desperate need.
I make roughly about $85.00 for the two days that I work, and that is about $8.50 from my earnings, just think, if everyone gave their true 10 percent (10%), now $8.50 may not seem like a lot of money… but when you are counting every penny, it does seem like quite a bit. You would be surprised how much you can get with that when it is combined with other peoples 10%.
When I do give, I say this prayer silently as I drop the tithe in:
May this ( whatever the amount) double and multiply who ever God entrusts it to.
It won’t be easy at first, but with time and Gods help your giving will become easier and more joyful.
Ana's Creative Writings