Tithing is usually thought of giving 10% of one’s income to the church. I always try to give what I can, but I’ve never followed the 10% rule. I’ve heard of churches that focus quite a bit on members giving a full 10%. That gives me that uneasy feeling of a church being more focused on its members financials than its members faithfulness. I wouldn’t want the church to demand 10% of my money.
Except I realized this season that the church does have a 10% demand. Lent
constitutes about 10% of the year (10.9% to be exact). It is a time that is
especially devoted to sacrifice and prayer. In a way, Lent seems kind of
pointless, because it asks us to do what we already should be doing. And yet,
we’re failing. That’s why we need a special time hollowed (hallowed?) out to
consciously, collectively, try again. Lent is our opportunity to do what we’re
supposed to and try to make it a habit.
Much like a
traditional tithe, it isn’t so much about exact change or exact minutes put
into the offering. The tithe is about offering a portion of ourselves. It might
be more or less than our neighbor’s offering, but like the widow in the temple
who gave her last two coins, it is the intention and faith behind the offering
that is important. We give what we can. It’s never enough, but it’s part of the
journey forward.
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