Why is it such a challenge and battleground for us to tithe? I mean, really... we spend money without much reservation on a lot of things. So, why is it, when it comes to tithing, we all of a sudden have some sort of issue with spending money and how the money we do tithe is spent? Curious, isn't it?

I've been pondering that question quite a bit lately, because I do find it interesting how it all plays out in our minds and I was trying to figure out why.

When we purchase things with money, we have the product to show for it- food, toys, gadgets, cars, homes, clothes, nice looking hair, nails, and so on. Even when we pay bills we have an end product to show for it- electricity, heat, water, etc.

But, it seems with tithing, we're giving money but not really "getting" a "product" in return. Yet, that is an error in our logic, even though we don't pin-point it as such. Maybe that is where we struggle but didn't know how to put it into words.

Let's look at it this way: say every two weeks, $2,000 is deposited into your bank from your workplace. Out of that, you have to decide how it will be divided up to pay for all of your expenses: food, gas, utilities, clothing, savings, bills, etc. All of which you have a product for what you spend the money on.

Now, let's say, once you've done the math, paid the bills, you are down to about $300 and still 10 days until the next payday. Do you pay the $200 (10%, standard tithing percentage being used for this example) leaving only $100 for whatever may come up- or do you hold onto that $200 because none of us ever knows what will happen and we may need it. After all, if it came right down to it, $300 will buy necessary food or gasoline or help cover an unexpected repair or medical bill.

But once it's gone, it's gone. Nothing to show for that $200. No milk. No bread. No go-go juice for the vroom-vroom.

And that is a major mind-battle when it comes to tithing, is it not?

"What if I need it?"
"Once it's gone it's gone and I don't have anything to show for it."

God tells us in His Word to test Him when it comes to tithing (Malachi 3:10). I know that personally, I have experienced some amazing blessings from God to prove that God is true to His word- yet still I struggle at times.

Why, oh why is that?

Because I'm human. I'm broken. I cannot see one nanosecond into the future. And to be honest, sometimes I am afraid of "What If"

"What if this time, God doesn't After all, there are times in the Bible where His people suffered. Yes, God eventually showed up and yes, the glory was His. What if this time, God doesn't provide when I need it? What if God uses me as 'an example' and shows up even later than 11:59:59? What if God's 'always on time' isn't exactly 'on time' for this situation?"

These are my fears. These are my questions, my "What if's".

I still struggle at times. And I wonder why that is...

Curious, isn't it?

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