Money, Money
Ever since I claimed to have believed in Jesus, there is one commandment that I can proudly say I've kept, and have never failed in keeping from as far back as I can remember. That is my obedient tithes. From the day I understand about giving tithes, I've given out ten percents of every earnings to a God related event/organization. Ten percent of my income, ten percent of my bonus, ten percent of my red pocket money, ten percent of my tax return. I was happy about my action, I was happy about "Hey God, despite the fact that I am a horrible person, there is one thing that I've never failed you =D"! Not until early 2015, I finally realized I've been stealing money from God...
For over 3 years into my ministry, I've established this gospel purposed website. I've gone out and planted multiple seeds of gospel, and I've enrolled into multiple study programs to shape and refine my Biblical knowledge. I even made a trip to Texas, US to visit a seminary event. And to pay for all the above, I've withdrew money from not my personal, but my "obedient tithes" account! Yayyy!
The following, is how I stole money from the church:
- Website hosting: gospel related? Church can pay for it!
- Evangelization: transportation and meals: gospel related? Church can pay for it!
- Seeds of gospel: Pamphlets and flyers, gospel related? Church can pay for it!
- Biblical learning programs: Textbooks and DVDs, gospel related? Church can pay for it!
- Seminary visit: The whole trip, gospel related? Hell ya! Church can pay for it!
Early 2015, I suddenly asked myself, am I really unable to support the ministry? Do I really need the help of the church to enroll myself in those study programs? Will I be starved to death if I have to pay for my own transportation and my own meal, even if that is a missionary trip? I have been stealing money from God.
Soon after I awake, I've gathered all my receipts and estimated the amount I've used on the above in the past three years, added 10% on top in case I under estimated.
May 2015, I withdrew the money as a lump sum from my personal account and deposited them back to my obedient tithes account. Together with my offering and tithes from this year, it is a whopping 50% of my current annual income! I really want to tell you, when I withdraw the money and send them to church, it feels like a knife cutting meats from my fresh piece by piece. IT HURTS!
From that day on (June 2015), I have decided to seperate the ministry completely from my tithes. I've made out a calculation. If I continue my ministry as is, together with my ten percent obedient tithes, it costs me about XY% of my total annual income. Fine! So be it! Treasures in heaven for me that is!
And finally, here comes the miracle...
On the first week of July 2015, during work, there was a miscommunication between me and my manager. This miscommunication actually led to my manager offering me a deal that involves a salary increase. I prayed to God about the deal, shaked the Magic 8 Ball, and decided to go ahead and accept it.
On the third week of July 2015, I received my first check with the salary boost. Please keep in mind what I've said earlier... if I have to continue the ministry as is, together with my obedient tithes, it will cost me about XY% of my net annual income. When I compare my new salary with the previous, the increase is at none other but XY%!
Is this a miracle? You tell me.