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TITHE TOO MUCH

Topics: Contentment; Finances; Generosity; Giving; Greed; Luxury; Materialism; Perspective; Possessions; Prosperity; Riches; Stewardship; Stinginess; Tithing

References: Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 12:48; 16:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

A man once came to Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the Unites States Senate, with a concern about tithing. “I have a problem,” he said. “I have been tithing for some time. It wasn’t too bad when I was making $20,000 a year; I could afford to give up $2,000. But now that I am making $500,000, there is no way I can afford to give away $50,000 a year.”

Peter Marshall reflected on this wealthy man’s dilemma but gave no advice. He simply said, “Yes, sir. I see that you have a problem. I think we ought to pray about it. Is that all right?”

The man agreed, so Dr. Marshall bowed his head and prayed, “Dear Lord, this man has a problem, and I pray that you will help him. Please reduce his salary back to the place where he can afford to tithe.”

—Kevin G. Harney, Seismic Shifts (Zondervan, 2005)