Day 223 (B) My Tithing Experiment

I mentioned that we do not tithe to church. Never have. We may throw a few bucks into the offering plate, but we have never, in all of our 17 years of marriage, tithed on a regular basis.

I asked God to help us with our finances. And one thing that completely humbled me -- and I'm being brutally honest here so it's unnerving for me to state in public -- is I'd rather spend $70 on something for my home, something that would make my life easier as a mother or a wife or an employee, than give to God.

There. I said it.

I did it just yesterday, in fact. Instead of tithing $70 or more of my income to church, I bought a new pasta machine. I told myself, "This is being a good mother because I will be feeding my children and husband healthier noodles without all of the chemicals and preservatives in store-bought noodles."

It's completely silly and embarrassing to type that out and see my thoughts in black and white...but there it is. True feelings by me.

My husband and I put a hold on our athletic club membership. That's a $100 savings per month. Instead of using that money to tithe...I bought a new pasta machine.

I am really, really embarrassed about it now. And yet...excited for my pasta machine. How sinful is that!?

I had a bit leftover in my checking account from last payday, so I did write a check to the church for $40. Plus a check I'd written just moments before for our Wednesday night meal for $10. Really, that's $50 of money I wouldn't normally give. But I did give.

For the remainder of my one-year-blog, I will purpose to find out whether tithing truly does produce results...which I already know the answer to that silly question but want to see it all played out in black and white.

Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud me. You say, "But how do we rob and defraud you?" By refusing to give God your tithes and offerings."

"Give and it will be given unto you. a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38

"Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he ha sdecided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 cor. 9:6-8

verses 10-11: "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

I realize now that God cannot move me forward and use me in bigger and better ways until I get my tithing right. Lord, I am ready...I think. Help me to understand this tithing process, and show me how to be faithful in my giving.

EDIT: By the way, I am NOT doing this so that I can gain riches...I am doing this so that I can get myself right with God so that He can use me in mighty, mighty ways!