Tithing Recession

Is there a recession? I keep hearing how the US economy is in a tailspin, but frankly I don't see it. Maybe it just hasn't trickled down to the people I live around.

I went to a Tulsa Drillers ball game the other night (thanks for the tickets Dr. R), and I was amazed at the amount of money flying out of wallets - mine included...not to mention it was the end of a long month...right after tax day.

As I looked around half of the people were texting with their cell phones, souvenirs were flying off the shelves, and I know for a fact, my kids made a $12.50 stop at the concession stand for,
(1 - Cracker Jack, 1- Cotton Candy, - 1 Soft Pretzel) and trust me there were lots of people buying lots of expensive 'refreshments' during the entire 3 1/2 hour game. Finally after the game there was a fantastic fireworks display that lasted at least for 20 minutes. Premier Pyrotechnics a fireworks display company quotes this type of display at $7,000.00.

As I took all of this in I was thinking to myself...if this is a recession...God must really bless America, 'cause we got it good. I laugh because we think we are in a recession yet we buy $4 coffee, $3 gas, and $1 water quicker than you can say cha-ching. We go to $10 dollar movies, spend $100's on Cable TV & Internet, and buy cars that would be 30 years wages in some countries around the world...and that is just the tip of the iceberg...or maybe its just the tip of the Titanic. Anyway.

As my thoughts turn to the church I wonder if a 'recession' will affect tithing? Will people stop giving? Will ministry falter? I sure hope not, but only time will tell. The truth is; church people haven't been the best tithers while things are good, so I am setting the bar of my expectations kind of low.

So let me encourage you to decide right now to be obedient to God in your giving no matter what happens with the American economy. Choose to be a good steward with out looking to the circumstances around you.. Remember - this whole world is God's and all that it contains, (Psalm 24:1) so don't sweat the little stuff...like a recession. You belong to Him, and your Father owns the store.

God Bless - Andy