Before addressing your personal situation, we think it’s important to ask just how important the practice of tithing is from God’s point of view. We know that the apostle Paul regarded it as a matter of the highest priority. In his epistles to young churches (especially the church at Corinth), he urges Christians to give of their resources to other believers and to the work of the Lord. He asks them to give up to and even beyond the limits of their financial capabilities (2 Corinthians 8:2). In so doing, instead of abolishing the Old Testament law of the tithe, he actually exceeds it. He takes the principle of God-inspired, other-centered generosity, which was originally embodied in the tithe, and jacks it up into an entirely new dimension. This is what genuine Christian giving is all about.
Is this kind of giving possible for a family in your position? Can you actually make progress toward paying off your debts while still fulfilling your responsibilities toward God? That’s something we aren’t in a position to tell you. For this reason, we’d suggest that it might be a good idea to sit down with your pastor or an elder in your church – somebody who knows you personally and who is aware of your needs – and discuss your situation in detail. With the help of a spiritual leader or financial advisor you may be able to come up with a workable budget that will allow you to consolidate your objectives, meet your goals, and still make a meaningful financial contribution to the life of the church.
If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us. Focus on the Family has a staff of pastoral counselors who would love to speak with you over the phone.
In the meantime, we have three general observations to make that may provide you with some helpful guidance in this area.
- You have a clear responsibility before God to repay your debts. Psalm 37:21 states, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.”
- You also have other responsibilities – responsibilities that don’t go away simply because you owe money to your creditors. For example, you have to keep paying for housing, utilities, food, and the many other practical needs of your family.
- Your obligation to God is among the most important of these “other” financial responsibilities.
All things considered, then, it would probably be worth your while to explore ways of fulfilling this obligation faithfully while also continuing to work your way out of debt.
Resources
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
Complete Guide to Faith-Based Family Finances
Referrals
Crown Financial Ministries
Articles
Money and Finances
