Save 10%

At church this week the sermon was in regards to finances. Everyone always loves the "tithe" talk, right?

This one wasn't that bad, to be honest. They really were strong in saying that if you don't feel like giving, and if your giving isn't out of love and charity and a place of joy, you shouldn't give. I'd agree with that. God wants a cheerful giver, right?

The sermon did, however, raise some questions for me. The main one was in regards to their main argument. Their main argument was that you should "Give 10%, Save 10%, and Live on 80%." They said it creates freedom. From stresses, from money troubles, from worries.

Sounds great, but is it really what we should be doing?

It's a nice way to lay out your life, but doesn't that take away the trust factor that we should all have for God? Shouldn't we be trusting Him to provide for us, and, consequently, not be hoarding away money for ourselves?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not good at this. I have money in the bank, and it sure as hell makes me feel safe. And I'm not willing to trust God on this--not yet at least.

Plus, the people that we serve here at the Worker, are just as on-the-edge as I think the Christian should be. They don't know where their money's coming from...they just trust that it will be there, and God, or someone, will provide for them. And someone always does--sometimes it's God, and sometimes it's God through someone else, but what they need, at that moment, is always provided.

I'd say that would lead to freedom much more than saving 10%.