Episode 2 – Foundation: The Gospel
The cardinal sin of starting a podcast. Putting out the first video and not following it up for 3-4 months. I apologize, but I’m back in the saddle. See this video on the foundation of mixing faith and finance.
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Glad to see Episode 2 — honestly it keeps me wanting to hear more. I am excited though to see you move forward and the momentum begin to build. Once it’s going, you won’t be able to stop!
Regarding the topic — I agree, if Christ is not central this discussion is a complete waste of time. My experience has shown that as God changes my heart and mind, my desire begins to overflow into being more strategic about giving than I am in getting.
And now a question — what do you think are the possible dangers of “locking in” to a certain percentage of giving?
Great question. I am actually planning on devoting the next podcast to why I believe we are not subject to the old testament tithe (10% of income).
If you are moved by the gospel to give 10%, 3.6%, 73% or whatever %, I think that is fine. However, when I term it in percentages, I think it can be somewhat ME focused. Perhaps a better way is committing to a certain $ amount which can be monthly or one time.
Also when I “lock in” to either a percentage or an amount, am I denying the Spirits work in my life? In other words am I saying, “Ok God I will give you this amount, but no more.” On the adverse side, a locked in amount helps us practice faith when we are tempted to give less.
An example in my own life is that we give a certain amount each month to certain organizations. We also have an amount that we put aside each month to use as the Spirit directs for various needs that arise (i.e. ministering to homeless, friends and family that are going through a difficult time, etc.). Lastly, there are times when we feel led to give in excess of these amounts and make an additional personal sacrifice on our part.
What percentage is all of that? I haven’t got a clue. I suppose I could figure it out if I recorded it all down, but then what is my motivation for the calculation. Is it to pat myself on the back, or to guilt myself because I haven’t given some arbitrary percentage?