From the Mailroom: April 2009
April 10, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under From the Mailroom
The following question was emailed to me in response to the Dance out of Debt post. One reader, we’ll call her Ms. T, responded with a particular situation that she would like to see addressed (highlights and emphasis are mine)
My husband and I have been trying to do better with our money since I am out of work and the job prospects are slim. The one thing that I would love for you to share in your next edition is how to do balance being financially sound and walking in faith when it comes to the needs of your church. We pay our tithes and offering and give extra when we can but as a leader sometimes I feel that if we can’t give all the time we are looked down on. I know that I have to walk in faith but I cannot continue to allow my bills at home to get behind because of the giving beyond the tithes and offerings
Ms. T, as I read and re-read your situation the items I highlighted stood out. You are giving according to HIS word and your faith. Please don’t let your feelings dictate your giving!
It could be that you are not looked down upon at all but your perception of the situation has led you to feel that way. Alternately, if you are "looked down" on…it is by man, not by God! We (general body) need to focus less on people-pleasing and more on God pleasing. Joyce Meyers deals with this very subject in her book Approval Addiction: Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone
I would suggest talking to your spiritual leaders if you have not done so already to make them aware of your situation. Continue to allow the Lord to lead you in your giving. Besides, if we are giving to appease men and look right in their eyes….are we really being that cheerful giver that God loves? Just a thought!
What do you all think? Have you faced a similar situation or have additional advice for Miss T?
