Should a Scout Tithe?

 

If there is an issue that causes heated debate in the Christian Church, it is the subject of tithing. The sad thing is that there should never be a question about how much we should give to the Lord. It is all His. All we have or will have is His. A better way to think is how much is He giving to us. God does not need your money; you need to give it. This is for you and your development. It is not to support the church or keep pastors out of the poor house; it is for you and your growth. Dave Ramsey said, “I call this the great misunderstanding, the idea that we give because churches need our money.”

Scouts and Scouters learn that God provides the needs for His work and His people. However, He does not just drop money from the sky. In His great wisdom and plan, God allows His people to earn money – for some a great deal of money – and we then have the privilege of being the avenues He uses to supply the needs of others and His work. It saddens me to see believers in Jesus Christ who have been financially blessed fussing over what they owe in a tithe. I think of the words of the great John Wesley, who said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

“God doesn’t need us to give Him our money. He owns everything.

Tithing is God’s way to grow Christians.”

Adrian Rogers

1934-2005

Pastor

 

As we review our finances, the tithe should be the first thing we account for. God blesses those who bless Him. Scouts learn you do not give to get from God or to win His favor. His love was never and will never be, based on the amount you give. Again, there is a principle being taught here. It is a character issue for Christian. Want to know where your heart is? Look at how you deal with money. Henry Ford pointed out, “Money doesn’t change men, it merely unmasks them. If a man is naturally selfish, or arrogant, or greedy, the money brings it out: that’s all.”

As a Scout, you must understand that the tithe is not the total amount you give; it is the starting point. It is the sacred duty of the Scout to tithe. It is done cheerfully and without regret. Once that is done, then we can look at what we can give to others. You do not and should not give to every cause or ministry that asks. Connect to those you have a passion for and share your values. Invest in the things of God; do not just throw your money at them. God does not need your money; He needs you.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey