I’m finally back with another post in my Journey to Financial Freedom! You can find the first two post here and here. This time, I’m talking about finances in the realm of spirituality: TITHING

Tithing is one of those things that many people have polarizing opinions on. Some people feel it’s not necessary. Others think that the church taking any type of money from its members is a scam. A lot of people have the impression that tithing automatically means that God now becomes a genie that’ll grant you all your hearts desires and wishes (admittedly, I was in this group for the longest time).

And then reality hit.

After my mom passed, and I finally came back around to exploring my faith and spirituality, I made a pact that anything I did (tithing, fasting, prayer, etc.) would be something that I did ONLY out of my love for God. That’s it. No expectations of receiving something physical in return. Just a desire to grow my relationship with my creator.

It wasn’t until mid 2018 that I started paying my tithes. I was extremely apprehensive at first. I remember texting my sister, nervous. Because let’s be real, I could’ve definitely used those funds for something else and the thought of having to release it was anything but settling. But, I pressed send and prayed something to the effect of, “Dear Lord, this is the first step of many in rebuilding this relationship”.

Fast forward to now, I’ve realized how important it is to tithe and I wanted to share what tithing has taught me thus far:

God blessed me with work to be able to even tithe

I’m a firm believer in grace, God’s grace. The grace that is sufficient. The grace that is undeserving. I technically don’t “deserve” a thing. This is not to get down on myself. This is just the honest truth. If we all got what we “deserved”, a whole of lives would be looking quite different right now. So with that understanding, something as having a career in digital marketing world and as a blogger/influencer is by the grace of God. Because, it could very well be the opposite. So the least I can do, as a way of showing my appreciation, is tithe. As much as I can try to take credit for the job and opportunities for supplemental income I have now, honestly, many of these came out of sheer FAVOR. Which is definitely not my doing, so paying my tithes is my way of continuously thanking God for provision.

Now this is not to say that if you genuinely cannot pay your tithe because you need that food to eat, or to pay rent, then you are somehow not showing thanks. Do not ever feel like you need to choose between basic needs and paying your tithe, and if anyone ever makes you feel that way, then please understand, that is wrong, and careless.

Helping to build something outside of myself

In essence, tithing is telling God, “I believe in this church, in this project, in this church mission, and I want to see it succeed”. Some people have this ideology that somehow someway, churches can just produce money out of thin air to make things happen. Reality check: We live in a world where money is necessary tool, no matter the project. And a church is not exempt from this.

God uses practical means to get things done for His kingdom. Money is practical. I am fully aware that there are several instances where money has been properly misused for church leaders personal “flex”, and that is completely wrong. But also understand that there are church leaders whose job is to lead the church. And so, their job requires them to receive an income. I always think of it this way. We pay taxes to the government. These taxes contribute to social welfare programs, road repairs, city manufacturing, and yes, even paying these government officials. But with tax, it’s a requirement. If you work, you will be tax. Tithe is of the heart. It’s not by force. But choosing to do so can produce beautiful fruit.

Releases my need to hold on to my money so tightly

When I tithe, I am telling God that I trust Him enough with my money. I am making a declaration that although money talks, my God talks louder. A physical thing can not hold me hostage. So releasing that 10% is one step in being able to give freely and willingly, with no expectations. And even if I am broke, I hold on to the promise that, provisions will be met for that day, week, month (Philippians 4:19)

Obedience is better than Sacrifice

The thing is though, God honors obedience. What trips us up is that, we have an idea/expectation of how God should honor that obedience. So while you should not be expecting anything in return when you tithe, based on my 3 points above, God is still faithful and sees your act of faith.

I hope this is helpful for any of you who are struggling with tithing. My relationship with finances has been such a journey and I want to share more of that on here because I have a feeling that I am not alone.

Again, these are my own personal opinions. But if you found this at all helpful, I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Until next time…