Money is something that can clearly effect ones relationship with each other negatively; thus certainly can stress the spiritual connection we have with Christ. It is something that can give a person the allusion of control over their life and thus tempt one to surrender less or to see less value in surrender to Jesus. The antidote to this temptation is indeed surrender!
Keeping Christ out of any area in our lives is not an option for the Christian. For us, finances are just as much a faith conversation as a part of our physical circumstances. That being said, tithing isn’t the subject in our home, when it comes to money and our faith. The conversation is focused on the idea of including our money when we talk about and act on the concept of living in Christ. We don’t see it as a way to live for him but to surrender to him.
In agreement my husband and I don’t tithe. We have moved away from the commandment idea, and are working on the ‘living in the Spirit’ reality instead. We have a goal in mind, a goal to continue increasing in our giving and at the same time to put a cap on our lifestyle increase… in this way we hope to walk more in faith and worship day to day; understanding surrender as worship and faith building. We hope to consciously choose to fight against the ‘american dream’ self increase ideal and instead grow in a wholly surrendered life in Christ.
Hold to your spouse and walk this road together with joy and faith!
Hold not to your finances but to Christ.
TTFN