The Tithe

I find the tithe subject very intriguing. For those unsure of the term, a tithe, in Old English, is a one-tenth part of something usually paid as a voluntary contribution.

One of the first times I was introduced to tithing was in church. Let me tell you, it was not the best introduction for my small caring mind. I was just a young girl at the time. The collection baskets were being sent around yet again. The priest got on his high horse and started lecturing everyone. He DEMANDED that everyone tithe 10% to his church. Pretty much the ol' give 10% or be condemned to hell speech. I'm not exactly sure that is the kind of giving God had in mind.

Anyway, the priest made one exception. He said the widow in the front row did NOT have to tithe 10% because she was widowed. Interesting.

Even at that young age I felt like we had just been discriminated against. It was an odd feeling. We were not well off by any means. My mother worked three jobs around raising four kids by herself.

Remember, at this time, I didn't know the "true" meaning of tithing. This was my first introduction.

We ended up changing churches after that. I guess my mom felt the same way I did that day. Not very good. The giving should come from your heart. It should make you feel good. You shouldn't feel strong armed or guilted into it by an off definition on the law of giving.

The second time I ran into the word tithing I was attending the class of the financial guru I mention on my home page. He too preached the high praises of tithing but it was different. He presented the notion without any religious connotations around it. It was more of a 'give and you shall receive' kind of way. This gave me a lot to think about.

This idea, simply put, states that every action generates a reaction that returns to us in like kind. If we put our faith in God and the Universe we will not be left wanting. Be generous in your charity giving today and have generousity bestowed upon you tomorrow.

Since that time I've done much research on the subject. One thing that always clearly stands out is that EVERYONE has a different view on the subject. Not the giving part. Just the where to give, who to give to and how much.

"I absolutely believe in the power of tithing and giving back. My own experience about all the blessings I've had in my life is that the more I give away, the more that comes back. That is the way life works, and that is the way energy works." ~Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager