This morning I was studying from a teaching manual when I came across the question, "What blessings have you received from paying tithing?" For those of you who don't know, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members donate 10% of their increase to the church. This money helps build Temples, cares for the needy in the area, helps support education, and more. When asked the question about blessings, I though a lot about my testimony of tithing, and I wrote this in my journal:
"I've never really been tempted not to pay tithing. Maybe because I grew up always paying it. I've never questioned it and always had faith to do it. However, this might be exactly why I have a hard time identifying the blessings --I've never not had them I guess. My testimony of tithing isn't one that comes from some great single experience, but rather a testimony built slowly over time --line upon line. As my income has grown, so has my faith, and therefore writing bigger tithing checks had not had a toll on my faith. Who knows what the future will bring, but as of right now I am content with this simple way in which I can express my obedience and gratitude to the Lord. As for the blessings, I have never wanted for anything (unless you count worldly desires that I didn't really need anyhow, haha) and somehow I've always had enough to do the things that matter to me --such as attend university."
Paying 10% of your increase is difficult for a lot of people, and blessing are poured out unto them. Although this has been a concept I've never struggled to grasp, I do know that it takes faith to donate that 10%, and the faith I express when I pay it qualifies me for incredible blessings. Even through hardship monetarily, my family has always been able to afford those things that are most important to us --education, missions, music lessons. I know that paying our tithing is what brought those blessings.
