축복

September 17, 2025

축복 

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:8 

As many of you know, I lost both of my parents in the last year. My Dad last November and Mom this past June. They taught me much and blessed my life in countless ways. One of those learnings was about tithing and being a generous giver. This is why I have become one who annually gives 15 to 20% of my income to the local church or other ministry causes. 

Several weeks before my dad died, he retold the story of his and my mom’s journey of tithing. They did it on day one of their marriage. The first 10% went to the local church where they spent their entire lives, Fountain City United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. This is where I spent my first 21 years before taking my first ministry position working with youth in a church across town. 

My Dad’s first job was working for my grandfather at his auto parts place. This was before all the parts places we have today around the country. My mom stayed home and took care of my sister and me until we started elementary school.  

My dad’s take-home pay in the early 1960s was $87 a week. Every Sunday, my parents put $8.70 in the offering plate. If they missed a Sunday, one of them took their offering to the church during the week.  For reasons unknown to me, his pay was reduced for a period to $76 per week. I assume there was a downturn in business or rising costs.  

My dad told my mom they needed to cut back their tithe, to which she said, “No!” She stated, “We pledged to give that amount each week, and we need to continue.” That is what they did. Dad said we never missed the money. It was amazing the other opportunities that emerged to earn or give money. My dad also officiated baseball and basketball games. In addition, Dad often worked nights at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, where he met a lot of people like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and The Impressions.  

My parents were the first to tell me, “You can’t outgive God.” The extra money my dad earned? Yes, 10% went to the church. They were not only tithers but generous givers.  

This is why I have a difficult time understanding why church people don’t tithe. Even more, why do churches not give 10% to their connectional commitment apportionments? What a blessing we all miss when we do not tithe. On September 21, I will be preaching at the 200^th year celebration for my home church in Knoxville. For 200 years, they have always paid 100% of their fair share to connectional ministries.  

Try it; the blessing is real! If you don’t believe me, why not begin today by moving toward the 10% tithe?  

Churches, the best way to fulfill your connectional commitment is to pay 10% of what you receive each week, and then you will never be behind. It is not about being behind, but about being blessed more than you could think or imagine. 

This is what I learned from my parents many years ago, and it is one of the best lessons and examples they could have ever given me. 

It is a blessing to serve as your bishop.

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