Re: Outdated customs -- Tithing

Hello John,

I like your commentary on the folly (foolishness) of institutional teaching. The "dealmaking" of tithing in order to recieve extra blessings from The Lord is exactly why I don't tithe (I love The Lord too much). I know it sounds strange to some people, but any perceived command to tithe, I directly and deliberately disobey. Now, that may not seem right to many people, but I will not have my personal relationship of LOVE become a relationship based on MERIT and what I deserve, His grace is sufficient for me, PERIOD. The bible doesn't command me, neither does Paul. God doesn't command those who love Him, He doesn't have to, we automatically glorify Him by doing what He expects of us. Many people choose a devotion based on what the book says. Of those people, many are sincere and their faith will remain strong, but some will not be so fortunate because they have become so bureacratic and partisan in their devotion (pretentious) that their faith will falter ("...provided that you continue in the faith", Colossians 1:23). They insist on RIGOR (Colossians 2:23) of devotion as a personal relationship (try and figure that one out). Depending on their activities and dedication, their faith might be "sufficient", but because of the way I grew up (I value SENTIMENT very highly), I've chosen...........A MORE EXCELLENT WAY (1 Corinthians 12:31).

My love will not be based on a deal, the blessings that I recieve from God will not be based on deals. I will live and die on every whim of The Lord. Whatever I give is for the brotherhood of God and those who they minister to, not for The Lord (HE doesn't need money). I draw a hard line in my devotion and personal relationship (if that be seen as irrational, so be it, that is how you know it is true love, it is irrational). So, if there is any LAW of tithing, I DISOBEY IT. There will be no constraints on my love.

I also disobey (sin against) dress codes and codes of etiquette, the code of table manners, etc., but love is in my heart, mind, soul and conscience. As David did, I pursue the heart of God. I don't seek to BUY Him, I want to LIVE with Him NOW and forever. That may not be everybody's view of tithing, but it is my view.

About the homosexuality thing, it's a hard thing to debate because, personally, it doesn't bother me, but from what I see in the beginning of Romans, it bothers God. No heterosexual should let it bother them to the point of persecuting or shunning homosexuals, judgement is only God's providence (territory, business) and it is only HIS option to get on their case IF He decides to.