A Culture of Tithing
“I honor you by giving – you honor me by receiving” ~ Native American Philanthropy
I always like to start with a definition, so that we are all on the same page about our subject. My first “go to” book for a definition is the dictionary, but in this case, it was a pretty lean definition. It said, “the act of tithing” and then some stuff about neighborhoods in old Anglo-Saxon settlements. Then I saw this:
“The Old Testament tells us God’s people followed the law of tithing. To accomplish this commandment, Church members give one-tenth of their income to the Lord through His Church. These funds are used to grow the Church and promote the truth of the Lord throughout the world.”
It appears there was a time (from the Old Testament) when tithing was law, and meant giving ten percent of your income to the church. Then, the definition changed somewhat in the New Testament.
From 2nd Corinthians 9:7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
In the 80’s, Prosperity Consciousness seminars were all the rage! Many of my friends bought stamps with kissy lips on them and would stamp their bills with it, in addition to writing “Thank you” on them with the underlying thought that they were thankful they could pay their bills!
Popular radio host, Dave Ramsey had this to say: Feb 05, 2018 · In fact, one of the main purposes of tithing is to support the needs of pastors and the work of the local church. Tithes help pay the pastor’s salary, keep the church’s lights on, and meet the needs of the community. Tithing is an act of faith that helps us keep our priorities straight. It reminds us that we don’t own anything in this life.
In our present-day minds, I think we can change the definitions of previous generations to one that fits in with all of our beliefs. Becoming a tither can activate the Law of Circulation from your commitment to give. It can provide a start to your own permanent prosperity and, your committed contributions allow us to more efficiently manage the daily operations supporting our organization.
I am reminded of a story from the Great Depression that had a big impact on the way I saw money. It was reported that Nelson Rockefeller walked around New York handing out dimes to the down and out folks he saw. He knew and believed in the Law of Circulation and that what you give is returned tenfold. Just imagine! He got a dollar back from every dime he handed out! His family is still one of the wealthiest families in the world.
Today, we understand that money is another form of energy. Without the Law of Circulation, we hoard our money, stopping the flow. There is a wonderful book by Rusty Berkus called “The Consciousness of Deserving” wherein she declares that, if we have a consciousness of deserving, we will automatically attract abundance and wealth. Over many years, my own attitude has shifted into that consciousness and I have proven to myself that the Law of Circulation works.
Our Ministry is growing and changing, as it should. Even though we have no walls, we still have organizational needs and charitable needs. We would be thrilled to choose a Charity to donate to every quarter, as well as to perhaps pay some of our staff who have been working diligently on behalf of all of us for many years without remuneration.
We have lots of work to do and it is the kind of work that brings us lots of joy! Our website is equipped with a Dues-and-Donations button and an option for a recurring payment. Won’t you take a minute and see if it is in your heart to tithe a regular amount to our wonderful Madonna Interfaith Community? Our dues have not been raised for many years. With Covid still affecting our ability to hold conferences in person, we have lost some of our fund-raising functions. One of my favorite quotes from Rev. Michael Beckwith is, “You don’t have to be sick to get better.” I would love to see our Ministry get better and better and more prosperous in the process!
Thanking you in advance for your new commitment and generosity!
Abundant Blessings,
Bishop Jenny Dickason
Education Committee
Madonna Interfaith Community
Madonna Ministry International
General Operating Fund: You may also choose to support the General Operating Fund Project. Read our blog on A Culture of Tithing: “I honor you by giving – you honor me by receiving” ~ Native American Philanthropy. This fund supports ongoing development of our website, our Clergy Directory, and our Educational Portal. Consider donating a one time or recurring donation. Gratitude.