Budgeting - Spiritual Mathematics

[jeffrey]

This is a clip from the movie <i><a href="http://www.maxedoutmovie.com">Maxed Out</a></i> that explains about budgeting and "spiritual mathematics":

<center><img src="http://www.savingadvice.com/images/blog/spiritualmathematics.gif" alt="the preacher - spiritual mathematics movie clip">
<a href="http://www.maxedoutmovie.com/clips/clip13.html">Watch The Clip</a></center>

Comments...

[PRICEPLUS]

Putting others before yourself is a noble thing to do. Maybe it is not so miraculous as it is coming to a realization that "things" aren't the most important part of our lives. Maybe tithing and helping others changes our mind set. On the other hand maybe it is that God does bless us when we share with others. I don't have a definitive answer. It seems to have worked for so many though!

[boefixepa]

If I don't pay my tithing (a true gross 10%) I never have any money. I know the math doesn't work, but I literally can't afford NOT to pay tithing! A principle I learned as a kid and have reaped the blessings!!!

[jmjj215]

I've found that what goes around comes around. Apparently it's an eternal law of the universe...or something like that. It's held true so far

I haven't been able to view any clips from the movie on this old computer.
I am guessing Falwel is saying to give money.
If that is true, I would just like to comment there is more ways than one to give and if you ain't got the money to give, then use your God given imagination and find other ways to give.

[PRICEPLUS]

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.
- Jim Rohn

[thriftymom]

I forwarded this to my husband. I am in charge of the bills in our home. The only checks my husband cares about are the ones to charity. Every couple weeks, he checks up on me to make sure I'm giving to charity. I find it frustrating, because I am often saying, "Do you want me to transfer money from savings to give to charity?" So, sometimes that is what we do. So far, everything has worked out fine.

[crosses]

Before I say why I don't like this, let me make clear that I do tithe and give to other charities. He implies that all you have to do is give money to him and all your budget worries will be gone. Very convenient for his pocket book, but not quite that simple. A budget is more than giving to charity (which I believe in), but if you expect all your financial worries to be solved simply by tithing, you're going to have a rude awakening - and that is basically what he says. I think he would be the last person I would go to for budget counseling.

[debtdude]

Tithing and budgeting are very important. I've read up on where the 10% comes from and how's it's viewed in the N.T. Regardless of if you believe in 10% or "what you can afford" or "what comes from your heart," I think the first question to ask is "Does God want me to be in debt?" I say it makes more sense to take that money and pay down your existing flexible range interest-bearing debts (credit cards). I say this with the stipulation that you do not continue to build more debt. A person in debt is burdoned both financially and emotionally. If doing this means getting out of debt sooner (and living financially responsible) then I believe it's the right move.

I think it comes down to "giving from the heart."

[jmjj215]

Debtdude, I know some would come right back and say that God does not want them to be in debt, and will help them get out if they will continue to exercise their faith and tithe, or pay what they can afford, etc. Just a thought though. The tithing discussion is always an interesting one - especially where it lands on people's priority list. We've found it easiest to make it first and never ask that question again.

[boefixepa]

Everything we have comes from God, so even our lives are really his. Money it not really ours, just our stwedardship. How we discarge, or perform, is the measure of our real worth. God has told us to tithe, no Christain will deny that it is commanded. Now whether or not we do it, that's our choice. Our choice, whose consequence we must accept. God is waiting to pour down blessings upon us. If we do not obey his commandments, then we are not going to recieve those blessings. Are those blessings always monetarty, not necessarily. Are those blessings instantaneous, usually no. But you will be blessed, it's just a matter of faith.

Sometimes it's really hard, but like jmjj215 said, if it's first on the priority list then it's no longer hard.

[markio26]

i agree with priceplus. time is more important than money... in the end, kindness is all that matters.... i wish money could mean more, to me, it is just a tool. i use to think the more money i had, the easier my life would be.... baloney... the more you have, the more you have to take care of.

[asha]

Originally Posted by boefixepa

Everything we have comes from God, so even our lives are really his. Money it not really ours, just our stwedardship. How we discarge, or perform, is the measure of our real worth. God has told us to tithe, no Christain will deny that it is commanded. Now whether or not we do it, that's our choice.

Sorry, but tithing, ie giving 10% of income, is an Old Testament law where it was a form of income tax. The NT tells us to give generously but does not prescribe and amount or %age. Yes, jesus told them to tithe but only in the context of Jewish law and was saying sure, tithe but don't forget the greater commands of compassion and mercy. Paul commanded giving so that everyone will be evenly provided for, not so that the giver will be hard pressed whilst others are rich. Unfortunately, many Christian evangelists get extremely wealthy off donations that should be going towards God's work.

I have been really moved to give more.

[flash]

Originally Posted by crosses

Before I say why I don't like this, let me make clear that I do tithe and give to other charities. He implies that all you have to do is give money to him and all your budget worries will be gone. Very convenient for his pocket book, but not quite that simple. A budget is more than giving to charity (which I believe in), but if you expect all your financial worries to be solved simply by tithing, you're going to have a rude awakening - and that is basically what he says. I think he would be the last person I would go to for budget counseling.

I agree...it's inappropriate marketing...yes, cast your bread upon the water, but how it "comes back" may not be financial...

I tithe. When we were in school and had no $, we gave our time. When we had $, we gave time and $. But we also try to give BLESSINGS, kindness, charity, a helping hand.

IMO, the act of tithing is both a discipline, a conscience choice of priorities, and also a mental/spirtual attitude and gift. You give blessings and you receive blessings. BUT GOD IS NOT MY STOCK BROKER. I wouldn't want him to be. He's a bit more important than that.