Some Thoughts about Tithing

Just some random thoughts, born out of some frustration I've experienced recently.

• If the "principle" of tithing really works the way most (Pentecostal/charismatic) churches teach that it does, then how could a person who has followed the principle faithfully for decades still struggle just to make it with basic needs month to month, sometimes not even being able to afford those basic necessities (food, lace to live, heat in winter, etc.)? Aren't they supposed to be blessed with "more than they can contain"(Malachi 3)? Either God's blessings aren't good enough, or there's something wrong with that teaching.
• Likewise, how could a person who does not follow the principle have everything that they need and more every month? According to the "principle", aren't they supposed to be under a curse (Malachi 3)? Either that curse isn't strong enough, or there's something wrong with that teaching.
• I work for an insurance company. When they pay me every two weeks, they do not require me to give them 10% of my paycheck (aside from deductions for taxes, insurance premiums, 401(k), etc.). However, this is often the case in institutional churches who have paid staff members and teach the tithing "principle"-they require their paid staff to give back 10% of their paycheck. What a great arrangement. That just doesn't make any sense to me. Many times church staff members don't even get paid enough to live on, yet they are still required to pay their 10%. So, many times they and their families have to do without things they need, or fall behind on monthly bills, so that they can pay this 10% and not risk losing their jobs. Something's just not right with that.

Just some things to think about, friends. Some things look good on paper, and sound good coming from silver-tongued orators, but do they work in real life?