tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867177699028333340.post409927358346546342..comments2024-03-10T04:01:44.407-05:00Comments on The RAsburry Patch: Moving toward Glad GivingRandy Asburryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01545983197990430420noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867177699028333340.post-26580218911304743522010-06-22T18:10:21.114-05:002010-06-22T18:10:21.114-05:00I've typically approached this by way of the L...I've typically approached this by way of the Law and by way of the Gospel as I apply it to myself (and then in turn in teaching and as an example to my congregation).<br>By way of the law, I know that I am an horrible idolator. I love my money and I love my stuff. So when I pray Psalm 24, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein," I am brought to my knees in repentance for worshiping creation rather than the creator.<br>By way of the Gospel, in Christ I am a forgiven child of God. In baptism I have been clothed with Christ and reflect Christ to my neighbor and the world... this means that the modus operendi for the Christian is sacrificial self-giving, be it in our vocations, relationships, or the way we handle our possessions. So, my focus isn't on balancing a checkbook, but rather giving to the Church, and thus to the Lord's work, and trusting that He has given me all that I need for this life.<br>Anecdotally (and this is no means by which to build any kind of theology) I have found that the Lord in fact has made good on His promise in Malachi... in fact I'd have to say looking back, the number of bounced checks is inversely proportional to my giving.mlorfeldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03138561905418684851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867177699028333340.post-60726097024700704542010-06-23T00:58:20.411-05:002010-06-23T00:58:20.411-05:00Excellent write up on a very sensitive issue. Than...Excellent write up on a very sensitive issue. Thanks for taking the time to give such a thoughtful presentation on tithing. <br><br>I especially appreciate the suggestion that tithing is only one part of a total budget all of which must be managed carefully rather than a get-out-of-jail-free card.EnnisPhttp://nowthinkaboutit.comnoreply@blogger.com