It seems like it’s been quite some time since we’ve discussed personal finances and ways that our family lives on The Teacher’s Salary. I guess it’s the nerd in me, but I’ve missed it!! To get caught up or refresh your memory, check out my previous posts below.
I hope that today’s topic won’t be divisive, but I wanted to touch on it because it’s something I feel strongly about and something that has blessed us so much. Today’s topic is tithing/giving and while you may think it only applies to person’s who practice Christianity or some other religion, I think that there are still some benefits to being a giver in general, whether it be to a non-profit or some other organization which you deem worthy. So let’s dive right in!
Our History
Since Kev and I were dating and seriously considering engagement, we discussed tithing. And once we got married and joined our bank accounts, we jumped right in and decided tithing would be a part of our budget. As Christians, the Bible is pretty clear about tithing/giving to your local church {10% is specifically referenced} and giving to those in need in general, so it didn’t even seem like an option for us. We’ve basically just always done it.
I do understand that this can be a source of disagreement for some couples, so I would definitely encourage any engaged couples to make sure to discuss this topic. And if you are already married but disagree with your spouse on this topic, you might consider discussing it with a counselor. I would not advocate one spouse tithing while the other is absolutely against it, as this will cause issues in your marriage. Perhaps some counseling will help you to get on the same page and come to some compromises. Since my purpose is not to have a theological discussion on why Christians should tithe, I won’t go much further than that. Feel free to check out a few of these references if you’d like {Genesis 14:18-20, Deuteronomy 14:22, Malachi 3:7-12, Luke 11:42}.
Our {Limited} Experience
When I sit down to draft up our monthly budget, our giving category is at the very top of my spreadsheet. While we try to give to as many causes as God lays on our heart, there are two organizations that we give to on a monthly basis. The first is our local church {10%} and the second is a non-profit para church organization. At some point, we’d love to expand our monthly giving to others. There are so many needs.
It’s no accident that our giving category is at the top of our monthly budget spreadsheet. I do it intentionally so that we are not tempted to skimp as the money decreases after each line item is entered. While our heart behind writing those checks is far different than a typical monthly bill, I treat them as a “bill” for logistical purposes, so I am not tempted. Those are the first checks that are written…always.
When I quit working after having Savannah, it took us a while to get the hang of living on one income. I remember looking at the budget spreadsheet in those early months and thinking about how that extra money sure would help us meet some of our financial goals {or pay those medical bills}. For a brief moment, it was tempting to remove giving from the budget. When I talk about tithing or giving, I understand how much of a sacrifice it is. When money is already tight, that 10% could be spent on a lot of things, but we have chosen to keep giving a priority in our financial life. I don’t share this with you to put anyone on a guilt trip or to pat myself on the back {PLEASE, don’t take this post that way}, but just to share our hearts on the topic and to possibly encourage you to give this a try {again, no GUILT or JUDGEMENT whatsoever}.
Some Benefits We Have Seen From Giving
In my opinion, there are numerous benefits to giving. Here are a few that we have seen firsthand.
1. Increases our faith.
I’ve been told that money is discussed more in the Bible than any other topic. Even if it’s not the most discussed topic, it’s definitely mentioned a lot! God has an opinion on the topic and I think it’s because He knows that our treatment of money is very related to spiritual matters. It’s easy to say we trust God, but it’s much harder to give him control of our checkbooks. When money is tight and it would seem logical to eliminate our monthly giving, it’s then that we pray and ask God to give us the faith to believe He will provide. He ALWAYS has, whether it be through some side jobs or finding a great deal so we could spend less than we had anticipated. Seeing this happen increases my faith tremendously and causes me to doubt Him less and less. I think you will find the same to be true.
2. Takes the focus off ourselves.
Sometimes Kev and I do get frustrated about money {more often than we’d probably both care to admit}. While we know God will provide for us, there are just some months when we’d love to not have to be so careful with how we spend our money. In those moments, it can be tempting to throw ourselves a pity party but I have found that giving forces us to take the focus off us and our situation. As I’ve said before, in the scheme of the entire world, we are WEALTHY and have nothing to complain about. It’s humbling really.
3. Increases our joy.
When I was working full-time, we were able to give more freely above and beyond our monthly tithe. There were times when we knew someone who was struggling financially and the Lord gave us the idea to give to that particular family. What a blessing it is to see the look on one’s face whom the Lord has allowed you to bless in a financial way. Or better yet, to give to them anonymously! I can’t explain it, but giving to others is oftentimes better than receiving. Even now when our money is tighter, we enjoy it so much when the Lord provides us with the means to bless someone else. Think Christmas time, but all year round!! 🙂
I could probably go on and on about the benefits of giving and if you have ever given, I’m sure you have experienced many of these first hand.
If you aren’t currently tithing or giving to any organizations, can I at least encourage you to think about making small steps in that direction? Or if it is simply not feasible at this time, perhaps you can make a conscious effort to give of your time or other resources? I think you’ll find that you are blessed beyond your expectations!
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on tithing or giving.
I’d love to know what works for you and some of the rewards you have seen.
Thanks for talking about this! Tithing is a huge part of our relationship with Him and I echo your points! It is a walk of faith most paychecks, but when I make out the tithe check a part of me is excited to see what we can give to God, because of what God provided! He is faithful!
(Funny side note – the advertisement on your blog above this post was something about Mormons and Tithing, but first glance, I thought it said, "Morons and Tithing"! Haha!
Oh goodness, Megan! I may need to tweak my ads- ha!