There are likely few topics I have not heard about from the anti and exmo standpoint. I spent two years hearing about these from my (now ex) husband. I wasn't allowed to pay tithing during those dark years. This topic has been around for a long time. I don't know why it's surfacing now or why it's getting attention.
Austin told me all about how the Church has all this money. That they buy real estate and other things. And how the buildings or land that they've invested in are not used to help the saints. It's not like it's apartments that are for the poor, widows, or fatherless (hm, sounds familiar...). It's other things that don't have to do with the church.
Honestly, this never bothered me. At. All. I don't see what the big deal is. I tried sharing my feelings on the matter but it was like, my mouth would move, but he couldn't hear the words coming out. It's an investment to grow the funds and it was what Jesus Christ, himself, taught. He teaches us this principle in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30.
The Lord gave five talents to one, two talents to another, and one talent to a third. The first two servants multiplied what they were give and were blessed for it. The Lord is showing us that if we invest and grow our talents, we, too, will be blessed.
Of course this principle is expected to be utilized in His church. When we pay Tithes and Offerings we are giving that percentage to the Lord, and showing Him that we trust Him to use it wisely. We are giving it to the Lord, and therefore it is not ours to have a say in how He uses it. The Lord doesn't want any of His resources wasted. Remember, He can see the end from the beginning. He knows what He's doing. He has a plan.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
21 (& 23) His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The third servant did nothing with his talent, and was punished for it. He lost everything instead of gaining everything. If we do not use our money wisely we will lose it. I think of this in two ways, being idol, and being ignorant.
If you do nothing with what the Lord gives you, you will lose it. You will show Him that you care not and are ungrateful. And if you use what you're given selfishly, or in the mindset of entitlement, or carelessness you show Him that you are not able to handle what He's given you, and thus, He will take it away.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
The Church has made a statement and a few videos, to help others understand, which I watched after I wrote the first part of this. I think I am a wise, faithful servant of God and I want to do all I can to help build His kingdom. This topic isn't a difficult one for me. In fact, I think it's dumb that people are making a problem out of this. It seems to me like they are just looking for something to complain about or a reason to hate. That is not what God wants or what Christ taught.
I may haver trust issues, but I have always trusted God. I know He knows what He's doing. Even if I can't understand His plan, I still trust Him.
Austin told me all about how the Church has all this money. That they buy real estate and other things. And how the buildings or land that they've invested in are not used to help the saints. It's not like it's apartments that are for the poor, widows, or fatherless (hm, sounds familiar...). It's other things that don't have to do with the church.
Honestly, this never bothered me. At. All. I don't see what the big deal is. I tried sharing my feelings on the matter but it was like, my mouth would move, but he couldn't hear the words coming out. It's an investment to grow the funds and it was what Jesus Christ, himself, taught. He teaches us this principle in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30.
The Lord gave five talents to one, two talents to another, and one talent to a third. The first two servants multiplied what they were give and were blessed for it. The Lord is showing us that if we invest and grow our talents, we, too, will be blessed.
Of course this principle is expected to be utilized in His church. When we pay Tithes and Offerings we are giving that percentage to the Lord, and showing Him that we trust Him to use it wisely. We are giving it to the Lord, and therefore it is not ours to have a say in how He uses it. The Lord doesn't want any of His resources wasted. Remember, He can see the end from the beginning. He knows what He's doing. He has a plan.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
21 (& 23) His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
_____
If you do nothing with what the Lord gives you, you will lose it. You will show Him that you care not and are ungrateful. And if you use what you're given selfishly, or in the mindset of entitlement, or carelessness you show Him that you are not able to handle what He's given you, and thus, He will take it away.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
The Church has made a statement and a few videos, to help others understand, which I watched after I wrote the first part of this. I think I am a wise, faithful servant of God and I want to do all I can to help build His kingdom. This topic isn't a difficult one for me. In fact, I think it's dumb that people are making a problem out of this. It seems to me like they are just looking for something to complain about or a reason to hate. That is not what God wants or what Christ taught.
I may haver trust issues, but I have always trusted God. I know He knows what He's doing. Even if I can't understand His plan, I still trust Him.
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