IN 2008 USA Today published an article about home foreclosures among Christians. The article highlighted how tithing was a contributing factor in these foreclosures. In one of my YouTube videos, I share the story of a 68-year-old woman mentioned in the article. She is a devout Christian whose home foreclosed because she paid so-called tithes instead of her mortgage.
This is an example of what happens when tithers neglect their responsibilities. Why did she choose to tithe instead when given the choice of paying the so-called tithes or paying her mortgage? Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
- Tithers Neglect Their Responsibilities for God?
- The Abuse of the Christian Faith
- Worse Than an Infidel
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Outsmart the False Teachers
She believed that her tithe was her covenant with God. Therefore, keeping the covenant was more important than keeping a roof over her head.
First, nowhere in the Bible does it state that the covenant between Christians and God is based on tithing. C’mon now. But that is one of those false teachings within the church that I will debunk in another article. As for now, I will respond to a comment from one of our YouTube viewers who shared his insight on why the elderly woman lost her home.”
Tithers Neglect Their Responsibilities for God?
He stated, “In this life, we shall all, as Christians lose or have something taken from us.” He then cited the following verse: “All that name the name of Christ shall suffer. The question is, what we are willing to suffer.” He said, “God has told us we would suffer in this life.
Now, I agree that we all experience suffering in this life. Trials and tribulations are a part of life. No argument there. And, yes, we sometimes experience suffering when we follow a righteous path for his namesake.
I take issue with the inference that the elderly woman suffered the loss of her home because of her Christian belief and that she suffered for Christ.
Did this woman lose her home because of her Christian belief? Did she suffer for Christ?
No.
From my perspective, there are three main reasons she lost her home.
The Abuse of the Christian Faith
1. Following a False Doctrine
The elderly woman believes what she was taught. The problem is that what she was taught is not correct. And if what you are taught is not correct then your belief is not correct.
Tithing is not a tenant of Christianity. It is not a biblical requirement for Christians. Nowhere does the Bible say that tithing is part of the covenant between God and Christians. Thus, it is not a Christian belief. Unfortunately, this woman is under the influence of false doctrine. In this instance, she was not following Christ. She was following a false doctrine. Therefore, she suffered at the hands of a false teacher.
2. Making Poor Decisions
We often bring suffering upon ourselves because we do not make wise decisions. Typically, we make poor decisions because we do not have the correct information to make wise decisions. So when you have a situation in which someone makes decisions based on a false doctrine (or wrong information), they will make poor (or bad) decisions. Paying so-called tithes instead of paying your mortgage is an example of poor decision-making resulting from wrong information.
3. Confusing Faith With Irresponsibility
Let me paraphrase a popular quote: “Do not be so heavenly bound that you are no earthly good.” Sometimes church folks get so “religious” that they do completely irresponsible things in the name of faith (or God). As a result, they bring unnecessary hardships upon themselves.
I challenge anyone to go to the utility company and tell them you will no longer pay your bills because you are paying all your money in tithes. See how quickly they shut off your lights, water, and gas! If the woman had paid her mortgage, she would have kept her home.
Worse Than an Infidel
We all make poor choices from time to time. And this usually happens because we lack wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Without wisdom, we will not make wise choices. Without the proper knowledge, we will not make the right choices. Without understanding, we do not have insight into the consequences of our actions. Nevertheless, there’s no justifiable reason why tithers neglect their responsibilities. Neglecting household obligations in the name of Christ is not the Christian thing to do.
Proverbs 2:6, NIV
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 4:7, KJV
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
1 Timothy 5:8, KJV
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
It does not get any clearer than that. So, I will leave it right there regarding why tithers neglect their responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does False Doctrine Mean?
“False doctrine” refers to teachings or beliefs contrary to the Bible’s truths. Such doctrines may distort or misrepresent biblical facts, leading believers astray from orthodox Christian beliefs. The New Testament warns against such teachings and their proponents.
In 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV), it is written: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment and adherence to sound biblical doctrine, warning against false teachings.
What Bible Says About False Doctrine?
The Bible contains multiple warnings against false doctrines and the teachers who promote them. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound teaching and being discerning about what one accepts as truth.
One pertinent verse is 2 Peter 2:1 (KJV), which states: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” This verse, among others, warns believers about the presence and danger of false teachings, urging them to remain vigilant and grounded in the true teachings of the Scriptures.
Is Word of Faith False Doctrine?
The Word of Faith movement is a controversial topic among Christians. Some believe its teachings align with biblical principles, emphasizing faith, confession, and God’s will for prosperity and health. Others argue that it distorts biblical truths, focusing excessively on material wealth and personal gain.
Critics point to verses like 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV): “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows,” arguing that some Word of Faith teachings overly emphasize prosperity and may lead believers astray.
However, views on the Word of Faith movement and its alignment with biblical doctrine vary among Christians, and it’s essential to approach the topic with discernment and thorough biblical study.
Outsmart the False Teachers
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