...I grew up knowing that I was supposed to give ten percent of my income back to God. Well, 10 percent of nothing is nothing. I had no income, and my dad gave us money for the offering plate when we left for worship on Sunday morning. My first real income came the first summer after high school graduation when I worked at the general store in Nags Head, NC. My total income for the summer resulted in a 10 percent tithe in the amount of $37.10. I was looking forward to offering my first tithe to God.

 

I was told, however, that I should not do that. The reasoning was that I had worked to save money for college expenses, and God would not expect me to give that money “to the church.” Well, you and I know that the tithe is a gift to God. Thus, the church, charities, and some other venues that serve human needs become a conduit for your gifts to serve God’s purposes. Thus, I still felt a need to offer my tithe, and I did so quietly. Of course, we all really know we cannot keep a secret that anyone else is aware of; thus, my secret was revealed, and I was scolded. I did not, however, let the scolding deter the joy I felt for having offered my gift to God...