Several years ago, prior to pledge Sunday, the conversation in our home turned to tithing. We always gave to the church and other charities, but never made a conscious effort to tithe. The longer our conversation continued, the more “yes, but’s” I heard myself saying – after all we’re running a very small two person business, and, when the phone doesn’t ring, the cash register doesn’t ring!
My dad owned an automobile dealership for over fifty years. During that time, there were good years and bad years. Do you remember how ugly (but very fast) the 1962 Dodge’s were that year? I believe that the only reason there was food on the table that year was because of the local Sheriff’s Department. They purchased fifteen of those fast (but very ugly) cars.
As I continued with the question – to tithe or not to tithe – questions kept coming. Can we afford it? What if we can’t meet our other financial obligations? What if something happens? What if one of us gets sick? What if? What if? Then the memory of my mom came front and center. I don’t believe there was ever a time my mom did not tithe to the church including 1972 – the year of the ugly (but fast) Dodge.
I gave in that year – thinking of mom – and agreed that we would give tithing a chance. I’m so glad we did. We have not run out of money. We have not been hungry. The phone continues to ring. My only regret is that we didn’t put our trust in God providing for us sooner. God is a very loving and generous God indeed.
Written by Sandra Carter
This series is designed to give RRCB members an opportunity to reflect upon their own generosity to God. In reading their stories, we pray that your own life of generosity is encouraged and challenged as well.