Penny Wise

There is a big push toward churches providing automated giving options via credit card, direct deposit, and similar methods. I understand that people like the convenience it provides, so they don’t have to remember to do anything. But as I read Scripture, I don’t see any indication that giving tithes and offerings should be easy or convenient. Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (ESV) says,

“But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God will choose out of all your tribes to put His name and make His habitation there. There you shall go, and there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution that you present, your vow offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the Lord your God has blessed you.”

Throughout the Old Testament the Israelites were reminded that there were very specific ways and specific places where sacrifices and offerings could be made. Granted, we no longer live under the Old Covenant and we don’t have to comply with all those regulations; however, the general principle remains that as we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength that should be evident in our priorities, including how we use our money for God’s glory. “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 23:19a).

I don’t want to create unnecessary rules, or condemn anyone for their method of giving. I simply raise the following questions that have helped to shape my own thinking in this area. If I don’t have to think about the act of giving because I’m not taking time to write a check or get cash from the ATM—

• Am I less likely to be reminded to thank Him for His provisions for me?
• Will I be less conscious of giving Him of my “firstfruits”?
• Will I be a better or worse steward of the funds I have?
• Am I likely to start thinking of my tithe the same way I think about the taxes that are deducted from my paycheck?
• What do my actions tell my children (or spiritual children) about giving?
• Will an automatic deduction cost my church more in fees?

Speaking from my own experience, I need the act of writing a check every week to be part of my routine. It is a reminder to me that what I have is not my own. It is a gift of God and out of gratitude and obedience I give a portion to the church for His work through our body. During one period of my life I decided to write checks less frequently because I was not paid every week, but I found I was more likely to forget to do so, and also less likely to make sure I had the funds in the right account to cover it. Giving more frequently is a spiritual discipline I practice for my own good.

Obviously every person is different, and what works for some doesn’t work for others. It’s better to give whatever way you can than to quit because it’s too much trouble. God alone knows our hearts and our priorities.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

© 2019 Dawn Rutan. Image copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of my church or employer.