I actually meant 'ties' but bear with me.
Recently, I had seen a video where a woman was addressing the community, and much was said in the less than 2-minute clip but what gripped me was this (now, I am paraphrasing); she asked the church community what they are doing to invest in the community that surrounds them & ultimately 'supports' them. I want you to understand that when I mention 'support' I mean this loosely since it could define various things.
Many points were made in the video but the one I wish to highlight is that this woman has brought to our attention that tithes are being collected from the community but are not invested in the community. And the question then came across my big forehead; where does the money then go?
In another book I read from a well-known pastor's wife (think she may have been a pastor too). She mentioned that when they held big conferences of sort, they do not collect a tithe. Reason being, that the conference usually holds peoples from all over, from different communities and different church homes, So. instead, they encourage that whatever seed they have to sow, it is for them to take to their local church homes and invest in their own communities. Whether that be via giving the seed to the church directly or by banding together to raise funds for a specific need in the community and having your church community stand behind making it happen.
Back in the church I grew up in, the tithe that the community sowed was directly invested back into the community. And this was evident. Look, each church community has their own mess, none is perfect. However, with that being said, it is important for people to know that Jesus loves community, and we ought to be the light and the salt just as we are created to be. Getting back to the 'evidence'; our church leaders at the time made an effort to invest in youth outings/activities, same goes for the elderly, the married couples, the young adults and the bigger community in which it had been situated in, Contribution by means of soup kitchens, food drives, disaster relief etc.
Some church communities, by the grace the God, acknowledge pensioners who may need assistance. By providing monthly hampers to support them however they can. Recently, our pensioners were hit with a horrid reality regarding their Sassa monies not received or received late. We as people can only do so much as individuals, but more can be done from a church community perspective.
You do not need a disaster to provide relief, we ought to strive to be a relief daily.
'A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.' Proverbs 11:25
I could write on and on about this very topic. Quite honestly, I think this is one of the most interesting conversation starters or not (depending how you look at it)
Since we can't change the church 'system', we can turn our to hearts to Christ and allow Holy Spirit to guide us in His Truth.
Check your heart.
Let's say you're on your way to church and got your monies ready to tithe. You end up walking pass a beggar or a person who is clearly in need or maybe you know a family that needs some help. You walk right pass all that and expect God to pour into your life but you're not willing to be the blessing.
We're blessed to be a blessing, and that's a blessing already.
Side (but important) noted.
Isaiah 58; tells on the how and not so how's when it comes to fasting. And even here we learn how important it is to share and be there for others.
To tithe should not be a 15-minute segment (sorry, not sorry)
As people who have devoted ourselves to Christ, we should know what it means to give. It tends to feel at times that we're robbed of that responsibility. It is one thing to be made aware of the importance but there is a line where it becomes a nag and beg. Look this is my opinion, and it does not matter in the greater scheme of things.
As people of God, we ought to be trusted to know the importance of this and not nagged and ridiculed for it.
Money is not the only thing you can give.
Some people don't even have money to give. How about, whatever you have in abundance to share that. For instance, like those donation bins in some stores. Churches can have a storeroom of sorts to accommodate any sort of donation. We can give with our time, food items, clothing items, etc. So, when the church learns of a need, it is then in a position to assist where possible without having to even look at money first. I hope this makes sense.
For instance, an unfortunate circumstance arises where a family's Wendy house has burnt down. As much as a collection of perishable food items will be of great help. Imagine if those items were readily available. The response would be reasonably quicker & this ultimately inspires restoration in other areas.
All this should be of no wonder as to why there are more NGO/NPO's that exist for the purpose of community. Think its fair to say that it wouldn't be needed if we as church stepped up.
I trust this blesses you to bless others.
Tithe but remember not to pass those in need.
I love you, but Jesus loves you more.
until next time, God willing.
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