I’ve had a few few people ask me about tithing on the stimulus checks that are coming out. It’s controversial, so I won’t pretend I have a word from the Lord or anything, just a few thoughts to consider.
First off, what you give is between you and God. I’m not going to call you a big ole heathen if you don’t, or nominate you for sainthood if you do. What right do I have to judge another’s servant and all that.
That said, my opinion is yes, it’s good to tithe on it. Here’s why:
1 – Tithing isn’t about what you owe, it’s about what you’re grateful for.
I don’t know about you, but I’m superydeeduper thankful for any monies coming in, and especially something like this that is unexpected. Giving 10%ish back to God helps remind myself where my provision comes from.
2 – Why not spread the blessing out?
We have had some rough financial times the last few years, and a lot of people (probably a lot of you reading this) have helped us out tremendously. Now that we’ve gotten “extra” money (no, it doesn’t cover all our bills, but more than zero for sure), why wouldn’t I pass that along to others? 2 Corinthians 8 : “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.”
3 – Why wouldn’t you?
Do you think that you will outgive God and he will “owe” you money? I believe (experientially and just a teeny bit of scripture) that God always gives more back. Note: this doesn’t mean you should give to get. It just means that giving joyfully isn’t that much of a problem.
So, for a little personal information, I tithe to my church with every paycheck. Then, if we get any extra surprises (like tax returns, stimulus, publisher’s clearing house (planning ahead), we give to whatever God puts on a hearts at the time: missionaries, nonprofits, sponsor an orphan, refugees, etc.)
I know people don’t usually share as much as I am right now, and I hope I don’t make anyone uncomfortable. But I have this sense that some of my contacts are more like me, and just want some hard guidelines rather than “just give what you feel,” or “let your conscience be your guide.” For me, I like to have some baselines, and then go above that if I can. The vaugeness is frustrating, so I’ll go ahead and be specific and hope it works out.
So that’s my general rule – 10% each paycheck to whatever church I’m going to, shoot for another 10% to missions/outreach. Then 10% of anything extra to various causes, whatever God puts on our heart at the time. Of course, nothing says you can’t give it all either.
Hope that helps. Have a good one, all.
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If you’re wondering about orgs to give to, some of the ones I like:
Convoy of Hope
https://www.convoyofhope.org/
Humanitarian Outreach – mostly disaster relief worldwide
Compassion International
https://www.compassion.com/
Child sponsorship, wells, food programs, etc
Free International
http://www.freeinternational.org/
Human Trafficking, based in Vegas
IfoSud
https://friendsofifosud.org/
Sustainable Farming in Haiti
There are many others. I also recommend checking out https://www.charitynavigator.org/ before you give to any organization. They check out non-profits, give you some background on where their money goes, etc. So, for example, Convoy of Hope spends about 90% of their money on their actual charity, 3.5% on administration, and about 6.5% on fundraising expenses. Some less awesome ones will spend 30% on fundraising or administrative expenses. I would avoid those (yes, I’m not naming them. I’m trying to be nice).