Recently a local church had to stop construction on a Christian school because they ran out of money.  Yet, in the same city another church will open the doors to their Christian elementary school this fall. Can you imagine how many children and families will benefit from this accomplishment?

Why was one church able to “bring it home” and the other couldn’t? Both churches had the vision, but only one had the money because only one had a faithful, tithing congregation. Now consider your tithing habits. Are you “givin’ it up” to God?

I talk to pastors of large and small congregations all over the country and more often than not I hear them say, “If most of my congregation would just tithe, our ministry could really impact the city…we could expand our facilities, pay off debt, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, we could really fulfill the vision that God has given us.”  They say this because in most churches only about 25-50% of the congregation actually tithes. What’s up with that?

“Cirrhosis of the Giver” is what’s up. This disease is running unchecked through too many of our churches. The funny thing about this disease is that it only seems to show up in church. For some reason wallets magically expand when it’s time to buy an Escalade, a flat screen T.V., alligator shoes or a beautiful outfit! I guess the disease goes into remission when you walk into a shopping mall, electronics store or car dealership.

Do you have Cirrhosis of the Giver?  Take this quick in-home (or in-car, in-church, in-store) test:

• Do you experience sudden paralysis and inability to reach for your wallet or purse when the offering plate comes your way?
• Do you “clam up” when the preacher talks about tithing and other donations? 
• Do you find yourself sweating or getting mad at the preacher for talking about money in the church?
• Do you pay everybody else before you pay God?  

If you said “Yes” or “Sometimes” to any of these questions, you’ve got a form of the disease. If you’re not careful, you’re likely to end up like Ananias and Sapphira did back in 34 A.D. They got greedy with God’s gifts and suffered the consequences. (Don’t take my word for it, read Acts 5:1-11.)

This is not a joke. This is a killer disease. Not only can it ruin you as an individual, it can be disastrous for your church. Here’s proof that it really does exist. Check out these statistics from the Empty Tomb and Christian Stewardship Associations:

• 97% of pastors feel that while people’s income has increased, their giving has NOT.
• The percentage Christians give to God has been declining for the past 26 years.
• The average Christian in America gives only 2.5% of his or her income to the kingdom of God. 
• 80-90% of Christians do NOT give 10% or more (In other words, most church folks don’t tithe!)
• 30-50% of church attendee giving records are blank! (They didn’t give God a single dime.)

The statistics are staggering, yet this disease can be eradicated. Matthew 6:21 says that, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”  In other words, if your heart is with God, you will place your money with God. Also, consider your worship habits. Just because you sing the loudest and pray the longest, doesn’t mean you’re giving God your all. Truly worshiping God involves sharing your money, your prayers and your songs with God. If you eliminate tithing from your worship, then you are cheating God, His kingdom and yourself.

Look into your heart for the excuses you’ve come up with for not giving God at least 10% of your gross income.

1. I Can’t Afford To Tithe
   Yes you can!  Most people I have counseled testify that they live just as easily on 90% of their income as they did on 100%. Be honest with yourself. Is it that you can’t afford to tithe or do you prefer to put your tithe on your back, in your garage or on your feet instead of in the collection plate?  Remember, tithing is God’s will and He promises to provide for those who trust and obey Him. It’s been my experience that when we stop trusting and obeying – when we start withholding our tithes – that financial problems start. When you start tithing regularly, you’ll realize it’s a lot safer living on less inside the will of God than living on more outside it.
    

2. I Must Pay Off My Debts Rather Than Tithe
   Ok. So what you’re saying is that you don’t owe God anything? You’re first debt is to God, regardless of your other debts. Put God at the top of your list and you will see clearly enough to get out of your worldly debts and stay debt free. (Do you think you would be in debt to creditors if you were using your money as God has directed?) I believe that if you honor God with your tithe, He will honor you in your debt reduction. Please, don’t rob God to pay men. 
    

3. Ten Percent Is Just Too Much
   Do you hear what you’re saying? God gives you 100%, yet you can’t afford to give him 10% back. That doesn’t even sound right. How could ten percent be too much when you get to keep 90 percent!  Man that’s a great deal!  Stop looking at what you give up and open your eyes to see what you gain. If you are faithful with your tithes, whether you have $20,000 or $200,000 - your blessings will continue to grow.
    

4. Tithing Is Legalistic
   God has “financial laws” that require responsibility and discipline and yes, tithing is one of those laws. Saying something is “legalistic” is often times a convenient way to cover up our own unwillingness to obey God. Why are you willing to abide by man’s laws – paying taxes, driving on the right side of the street, not speeding – but want to side-step God’s laws? We all know that there are consequences to breaking man’s laws, but there are also consequences for breaking God’s laws. Don’t you want to be blessed and experience the windows of heaven being open for you?  Don’t you want to see the “devourer” rebuked for your sake? Go ahead and give God a try-you won’t be disappointed.
    
5. I Don’t Trust The Church Leaders With The Money I Give
   When you give your money to the church, you are actually giving to the Lord. God will honor your obedience to Him regardless of what happens to the money once it leaves your hands. Even if a pastor, deacon or elder takes the offering money and gambles it away in Las Vegas, God will still bless you for your obedience. Yes, God expects you to give and to give responsibly, so if you don’t trust your church with God’s money - change your church, not your giving.

God can cure you of all your ailments, including Cirrhosis of the Giver. So the next time you feel hesitant about giving back to God, replace your fear with faith and remember that God has promised to take care of your needs. Open your heart to God, obey his laws and you will be rewarded.