Post Info // super fun stuff.
Give Us Your Economic Stimulus Check?
Genuine question here: Would the following quote I found on a church website inspire you to give? Would you find this helpful? Offensive? Annoying? Just fine?
Here’s an idea! Whether you normally tithe or regularly put a check in the offering plate or just put in whatever cash you can from your wallet when you are at church, why don’t you trying tithing on this unexpected gift from the government? If you give the first 10% to God, you will find that the rest of what you have to spend goes even further than you had hoped. You can’t out give God! We could clear our budget deficit if each one of us would tithe on our economic stimulus checks! And … there are those tax rebate checks, too!!!
I would love your thoughts…
Deb said...
105/20/08 9:25 AM | Comment Link |
Well, I love giving. In fact, I can’t wait to finish working through my Dave Ramsey Baby Steps so I can give even more than I already do. However on this quote, not really sure what I think… I understand the church’s desire to encourage giving, however I don’t think the depiction of the stimulus check is quite accurate. The fact is that it is not a “gift” from the government, rather it’s just some more of our own money that they’re giving back to us. Additionally, I currently tithe on my gross pay, therefore all tax refunds I get (read: what I’ve overpaid in taxes throughout the course of the year) I’ve already tithed on that money… It’s not as if the government was paying me a bonus check and I feel like that’s kinda how this quote reads. I fear that my comment may sound stingy and I honestly don’t mean it to be - as I said before, I absolutely LOVE to give - this is something that God has really been growing in me over the past few years, but until I get myself onto firmer financial footing (read: debt free), I do not feel that giving above my current levels translates into being a better steward of what God has given me, or a “better” Christian. Right now I would rather focus on giving to God as He has requested, but then working with total intensity to “live like no one else” and get out of debt so that later I can give in ways that bless others and further the work of God. I would love to get to a place where I could do amazing things for others as a demonstration of what God has done for me… This video is a perfect example of how I aspire to give and where I think God would love all of us to be.
Deb said...
205/20/08 11:12 AM | Comment Link |
Not to beat a dead horse, but the above made me go and do a little further research and I have to admit that I think I misunderstood the Stimulus Package so that it looks as though it is indeed “free” money for all practical intents and purposes as far as Joe American is concerned. Therefore, I say go nuts - give freely! :)
Julie said...
305/20/08 2:45 PM | Comment Link |
I feel like there are hundreds of places trying to tell me how to spend my stimulus money. The last place I want get that kind of pressure from is church. I’m under the impression that we’re getting the stimulus because our economy is hurting - read, people are struggling financially. I would hope that churches would understand that everyone’s financial situation is different, and the stimulus will mean different things to every family in the church.
I believe in tithing 10%, but I don’t like to be told how to do it. I love hearing about ways that other people tithe, and I’m always open to new ideas on tithing, but something in that paragraph just rubs me the wrong way. I think it says to me, “We don’t think you’re praying to God about how you should spend/give your money.”
It seems belittling. And how will I feel if I don’t tithe to the church on the stimulus money?
If the church is already teaching on the importance and theology of giving, why should it feel the need to try to dictate how its members do that?
JR Rozko said...
405/20/08 4:52 PM | Comment Link |
This is an antiquated and misguided understanding of tithing which does damage to the people of God as the body of Christ. It makes my soul hurt. (How’s that for honesty).
tghali said...
505/20/08 9:07 PM | Comment Link |
Hmmm. I think after reading this I am more tempted to steel from that church then to give. My self-righteous self also enjoys giving as well but really, the tone of this request really bothers me.
It feels like they were sitting in a staff meeting lamenting the budget and they come with this. Just curious, you didn’t edit out the part with the free toaster if you give 11%, did you?
I would prefer either a sincere request or nothing to be said at all. Tithing and giving should not already be part of local church culture but it already should be on the faithful believer’s heart. The Lord may love a cheerful giver but I am certain that He also loves a non-manipulatory request.
margaret said...
606/18/08 1:58 AM | Comment Link |
our church encouraged members to donate their stimulus checks as life groups to some kind of needy cause. our life group raised over $6,000 and will be creating a scholarship fund at the homeless transitional facility we volunteer at.
it’s a lot easier when “everyone else is doing it”. :)