What Made Me Do It?

That was the question Brian put to me, Joseph Galloway about tithing while driving around Minnesota between back-to-back weekend retreats. I am privileged to be on the board of Broken Door Ministries. You may recognize me as the author of The Broken Door. I wrote it in support of Brian’s ministry, essentially telling his story. If I may say so, one of the best comments about the book on an Amazon review is that it is The Shack on steroids.

While in Minnesota, we visited the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. I spent some time there off alone, praying in an alcove, pouring out my heart about what to do now with my life. I’ve been going through a difficult period of brokenness due to my wife’s passing away last year. I just wanted to quit everything! My prayer was essentially, “Tell me what you want me to do.”

Within minutes I heard, audibly, “Take It’s Not Your Money national.” (It’s Not Your Money is my website and radio-spot ministry about financial stewardship).

Brian was across the building, and no one else was there. Where and from whom did that message come? I told Brian of the experience. Of course as is often the case with Brian, that sparked a lively and thought provoking conversation over the next few days.

We both confessed that we didn’t always give to the church, much less tithe ten percent. We had fun surmising excuses we and others might use to justify our times of short-fall:

₪ “I’ve been on the Finance Committee; I’ve seen what people give.  I give more than most.” – It’s not a contest

₪ “10% of What? AGI or net? Include asset sales? Include tax refunds?”- All pretty Pharisaic

₪ “I pay a lot in taxes. So much of that goes to welfare.”- Render unto Caesar

Brian suggested that there must be a catalyst, some trigger that moves us to tithe. We considered a few:

  • Bargaining with God: “God, if you do _____, then I’ll give $X.”
  • Prosperity Gospel: “If I give $X, God will bless me with _____.”
  • Guilt: “Bible says I must give 10%. Pastor says I’ll go to hell if I don’t.”
  • Pride: “Look at how much I give. That’s more than most at ____ Parish.”
  • Gratitude: “I’ve been blessed. In grateful response I’ll give $X.”

I’m sure you can come up with more. But, what was the catalyst for me? What made me tithe? As I pondered that over the ensuing weeks, I remembered that there was a catalyst. It was a friend speaking at Mass one Sunday. He said he and his wife decided they were going to start tithing 10 percent. Period. It didn’t add up, but they were going to be like Nike and ‘just do it’ and trust that God would provide.

BAM!                                  WHAM-O!

That was a gut punch. I knew the church teaching. I knew the Bible verses about giving 10 percent. I knew I should be giving 10 percent. Why don’t I do what I know I should do?

At that time I had one kid in braces, and two more sets to go. My in-laws were dependent on me financially, and we were a one-income household. How was I supposed to cover my bills, save for college, and hopefully retire some day? The math didn’t work.

It is a matter of faith. God’s calculus is higher math than my algebra.

That testimony really struck me. If my friend was willing to try tithing, shouldn’t I? Did I believe the Bible passages, or not? Matthew 6: 24-34 tells us we cannot serve God and mammon. Jesus then goes on the say “don’t worry” four times. Did I trust God’s promises to provide or not?

Because my friend shared, I gained the courage to take that step of faith. I’ve tithed ever since, and God has provided for my every need beyond anything I deserve. Matthew 13 is the Parable of the Sower. The seed that fell on rich soil produced a hundred-fold. Tithing is rich soil.

Lent is the season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. What will be your catalyst for giving alms? What will help you step out in faith and tithe?

I would love to hear your stewardship story. How is God working in your life? What joy have you experienced in giving?

Blessings to you and your family this Lent, Easter, and throughout all the year.

Dear Lord, we praise you and thank you for all the benefits you give to us. We are so blessed. Help us to respond with grateful hearts and generous giving

Brian Pusateri
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13 Comments

  1. Cheryl on April 9, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    The more I study the more I am reminded that it all belongs to Him..how much of His blessing do I keep is the paradigm shift. Nothing I want seems important when I find myself looking at people with great need, and/or needing Jesus. The eyes are a light to my heart and soul….where are my eyes looking today? That is the struggle for me!

  2. Ellen Montgomery on April 5, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    Years ago I was a single parent making next to nothing and really struggling in the tithe area. A well known minister in my church said “God doesn’t expect you to give what you don’t have; do what you can.” Just what I wanted to hear! But it was wrong and I knew it. After trying that for a while, I went back to thithing and God has always provided my every need. Obedience always works with God.

  3. Lauren on April 4, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    This hit home. Not just because Joe is my father, but because he is right. I struggle with tithing even though I have only seen the positive impact it has made on those who I know are Committed their giving. Such great examples and I’m even more inspired to give back having read this. Love you dad and love you Brian!

    • Brian Pusateri on April 4, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      Lauren

      Thank you for posting. As Joe’s daughter you certainly bring a unique insight. May God’s blessings always surround you.

      Brian

  4. Peter Oleary on April 4, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    I give a little more each year with the goal of reaching 10% and then even more. My attitude is its not my money, I just get to direct where it goes. I have also found the more I give the less I become attached to it or worry about it. As I give more I also find all my financial needs met and I seem to worry about financial issues less. God will provide.

    • Brian Pusateri on April 4, 2017 at 7:07 pm

      Peter:

      Thanks for sharing from your personal experience of giving.

      Brian

  5. Abin on April 4, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Bargaining with God: “God, if you do _____, then I’ll give $X.”
    Prosperity Gospel: “If I give $X, God will bless me with _____.”
    Guilt: “Bible says I must give 10%. Pastor says I’ll go to hell if I don’t.”
    Pride: “Look at how much I give. That’s more than most at ____ Parish.”
    Gratitude: “I’ve been blessed. In grateful response I’ll give $X.”

    Very good observation..

  6. Joseph L Hays on April 4, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Been to your 1 day retreat, love it. keep up the good work.

    • Brian Pusateri on April 4, 2017 at 9:28 am

      Joseph

      Thank you for writing and for your kind words.

      Brian

      • Michael Schaefer's on April 4, 2017 at 5:06 pm

        Hi Joe,
        Blest to have met you & have dinner in Madison by the Capital along with Brian. Don’t want to leave him out. Great 4th Day Letter. My high school friends brother & wife worked for I believe Wycliffe Ministries in Papa New Guini. They trusted the Lord even with there bills. Checks would arrive for exact amounts of bills before they were due. I am a believer in tithing. God bless & Blessed Easter

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