Study finds tithing not embraced by majority of Christians
In a recent study conducted by the Barna Group, it was learned that only five percent of Americans gave away at least 10 percent of their income (to the church or any charitable organization) in 2007. This level of giving was not a great surprise, as it has been around five percent since 2000.
Assemblies of God News Online
FletchNotes: Whenever I hear or read news stories like this, I try to ask myself the very question they address. In this case, I asked myself how consistent I am with tithing my 10%. And, I have to be honest, I'm not very good at keeping up with this.
The funny thing is, in my mind I make up all sorts of reasons for this.
* I can't afford it. This is a common one for everyone it seems. I do know that when I have tithed, the money wasn't missed, or it was made up for in other ways. For me, I know that this reason is a useless one. God Will Provide!
* I don't attend the regular church I go to. I actually told myself this a few times. I was temporarily in another city, and didn't feel the need to tithe. How ridiculous! The money we tithe goes to help to have the word of God shared to more people... it doesn't matter where I am, the call is still upon us to help share God's word in whatever way we can, including tithing.
* The church gets plenty of money from others anyway. Can you believe that someone would think this? Well, I had thought of this excuse before. The above story shows that this isn't the truth. Only 5% of Christians tithe faithfully. Five Percent! Can you imagine the good that could be done if that number were merely doubled to 10%?
I can't speak for anyone else but myself. I know that I need to tithe faithfully, and am going to do my part to keep my promise to our Saviour. He asks so little, yet gives so much!
So I say, enough excuses! I am going to be one of those to increase that 5%!
Ok, I'll hush up now. It is an interesting article, though.
In a recent study conducted by the Barna Group, it was learned that only five percent of Americans gave away at least 10 percent of their income (to the church or any charitable organization) in 2007. This level of giving was not a great surprise, as it has been around five percent since 2000.
Assemblies of God News Online
FletchNotes: Whenever I hear or read news stories like this, I try to ask myself the very question they address. In this case, I asked myself how consistent I am with tithing my 10%. And, I have to be honest, I'm not very good at keeping up with this.
The funny thing is, in my mind I make up all sorts of reasons for this.
* I can't afford it. This is a common one for everyone it seems. I do know that when I have tithed, the money wasn't missed, or it was made up for in other ways. For me, I know that this reason is a useless one. God Will Provide!
* I don't attend the regular church I go to. I actually told myself this a few times. I was temporarily in another city, and didn't feel the need to tithe. How ridiculous! The money we tithe goes to help to have the word of God shared to more people... it doesn't matter where I am, the call is still upon us to help share God's word in whatever way we can, including tithing.
* The church gets plenty of money from others anyway. Can you believe that someone would think this? Well, I had thought of this excuse before. The above story shows that this isn't the truth. Only 5% of Christians tithe faithfully. Five Percent! Can you imagine the good that could be done if that number were merely doubled to 10%?
I can't speak for anyone else but myself. I know that I need to tithe faithfully, and am going to do my part to keep my promise to our Saviour. He asks so little, yet gives so much!
So I say, enough excuses! I am going to be one of those to increase that 5%!
Ok, I'll hush up now. It is an interesting article, though.