"Celebrate good times, come on!"
"But if, when the LORD your God has blessed you, the distance is so great that you are unable to transport (your tithe), because the place where the LORD your God will choose to set his name is too far away from you, then you may turn it into money. With the money secure in hand, go to the place that the LORD your God will choose, spend the money for whatever you wish - oxen, sheep, wine, strong drink, or whatever you desire. And you shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your household rejoicing together."
(Deuteronomy 14:24-26)
"The church is always asking for money." That's the adage that some profess. (Though usually it's from those who don't actually connect regularly to a church!)
Various churches (and pastors) have various approaches to giving and generosity, but the prevailing wisdom tends to be around 'tithing'. A tithe is giving 10% of one's income (pre or post tax? that's debatable!) A tithe is seen as a way fo giving God our "first fruits" out of gratitude for God's provision. In fact, originally it wasn't even money at all... it was 1/10 of whatever one produced: livestock, grain, produce, olive oil, etc. The priests would offer a portion on the altar and would be able to eat/use/sell the rest to help provide for themselves.
But I found an interesting provision in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 14. At one time, the tabernacle (worship space) moved among the 12 tribes. So... if someone needed to worship, but the tabernacle was too far away, they had some provisions. Namely, instead of having to lug 1/10 of your crops miles away, worshippers could sell them... take the money to the city were the tabernacle is... and then buy something to celebrate with that money! Food or drink, it didn't matter. They weren't even required to "give it to God." Seriously! They were instructed to simply celebrate with their family for what God has provided.
What a twist! God isn't demanding their money (or products). God is asking for their HEARTS! For their acknowledgment of His provision. For CELEBRATION and JOY!
How would that understanding change our giving today? We till give our tithe to the church... but do we do it with joy and celebration? Do we include our families and intentionally teach them to REJOICE over God's provision?!?