I tithe online. This means that when the offering plate passes in front of me on a Sunday morning, I feel uneasy that people will assume I don’t tithe. Why? Why do I even worry about such things when giving is clearly not supposed to be about showing off to other people? Why do I almost want to blurt out, “I GIVE online.” It’s totally my selfish nature. I want to say it stems from wanting accountability or encouragement of generosity, but upon further examination of my heart, I know I don’t need the accountability on an automatic monthly withdrawal, so why do I desire an “I tithe online” t-shirt?
God wants us to give cheerfully, not bragfully. And I nor you are here to please man but to please God.
...so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:4
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Tithing should ultimately be done with a humble and sincere heart, seeking to honor and obey God rather than seeking approval or praise from others. And my personal prayer for today is that next time the offering plate is passed, I can refocus my heart and mind and challenge myself to pray over that plate instead of worrying about what my neighbor thinks of my giving habits.