WOODBURY, MINNESOTA – Jason Westerman, a sixth year senior at North Central University in Minneapolis, spent the majority of last week playing Guitar Hero III on his Xbox 360. Recently married, trying to finish college, renting an apartment, and working part-time as a pizza delivery guy leaves Westerman with a relatively full plate. “You have to make sacrifices at times like these. I don’t have enough money to provide for my family, pay for college, and tithe.” Westerman explains.
At NCU, it is required that each student be actively involved in a local church. Tithing is a “free will offering” that is highly encouraged by Christian churches and scripturally sound. Though it is not a mandatory requirement, tithing is said to be an essential aspect of every Christian’s life.
“I really don’t have any money to spend on tithing right now.” Westerman exclaims as he gains Star Power on The Police’s song “Message in a Bottle”. “Once we finally get our feet on the ground, I swear we’ll donate like 20% of our income to the tithe.” Though there is not a set amount one should give back to God, most churches these days ask for 10% of the Christian’s income. Which in a Christian’s perspective is a small percentage of what God has given to them (100%).
“My mom always told me that if I tithed that ‘God will provide,” Westerman explains as he sanitizes the screen of his 52 inch plasma TV. “But honestly, I just don’t have enough money to set aside anything extra. Dominos wants me to work a few more nights a week but I have less extra time then I do money.”
Only time and integrity will tell if Westerman’s promises come to fruition. When asked about how he saved enough money to purchase his gaming systems, games and other expensive electronics, Westerman mentioned that they are simply his form of “escape” and “therapy” and that without them he would most likely “go insane”.
-Bernstein
Woodward
Bernstein
Friday, November 9, 2007 at 3:56 pm |
Heck, if God wanted Westerman’s money He’d have given him more to start with!!! Right?
Friday, November 9, 2007 at 6:52 pm |
Do not worry about tithing. It was never commanded to Christians and is a false doctrine. The following is from my essay, Tithing is Not a Christian Doctrine.
Free-will giving existed before tithing. The following New Covenant free-will principles are found in Second Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9: (1) Giving is a “grace.” These chapters use the Greek word for “grace” eight times in reference to helping poor saints. (2) Give yourself to God first (8:5). (3) Give yourself to knowing God’s will (8:5). (4) Give in response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15). (5) Give out of a sincere desire (8:8, 10, 12; 9:7). (6) Do not give because of any commandment (8:8, 10; 9:7). (7) Give beyond your ability (8:3, 11, 12). (8) Give to produce equality. This means that those who have more should give more in order to make up for the inability of those who cannot afford to give as much (8:12-14). (9) Give joyfully (8:2). (10) Give because you are growing spiritually (8:3, 4, 7). (11) Give because you want to continue growing spiritually (9:8, 10, 11). (12) Give because you are hearing the gospel preached (9:13).
Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8:14 pm |
I agree that we must be careful how we teach tithing. Unfortunately, sometimes Christians use tithing as an excuse to give God 10% and selfishly spend the other 90% however they want. We should use 100% of our finances to honor God and providing for ours and our family needs is just one way of doing that. I think this is a healthier view that allows us to give more (perhaps to charities outside of the church and to people we know personally who are in need) and to enjoy the rest more fully.
I think Bernstein’s point in this article is not to set up tithing as a pivotal doctrine but to point out the false belief we can fall into (especially as college students) that we’ll be more generous later in life when we are more financially secure.
We worship God with our giving, we practice self-denial with giving. Why should we wait until we’re “comfortable” to give? Doesn’t that defeat the point?
Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8:27 pm |
I’ve always been comfortable with my (my dad’s) money. I like to spend 10% of my income on nice outfits I can wear to church. In this way I can honor God with my appearance. I find this to be my unique outlet to exemplifying God’s love for me and vice versa. Everyone has their things, Jason chooses technology. Heck, my advice to Jason would be to bring his gaming equipment to church! That’s what I do.
Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 3:52 pm |
I play cell phone games in church…. does that count?