Giving With the Proper Attitude. One definition of the word "attitude" in the dictionary is "a state of mind or feeling". I tend to like the feeling part. Think about how you feel about giving at Christmastime. You give because you want to please your loved ones, because you desire to show your family and friends how much you care, and because it feels good.

Wouldn't it be great if we all had this same attitude when it comes to giving to God as we do regarding Christmas gifts?

Instead of giving out of command, rule, or to make a good impression, we would give because we really want to please the One we give to, Jesus Christ. We give through our tithing.

For most of us, our attitude towards giving matures over time. This has been especially noticeable to me when I look back at the development of my own feelings about giving. When in 2nd grade, I gave for selfish reasons. When I grew a little older and took a present to a friend's birthday, I sometimes wished it were my party so I could get all the gifts.

But as I grew older, I worked overtime, skipped a movie, or chose not to buy myself something so that I could get the special gift for my girlfriend, Mom, or Dad (OK ... I even wanted to get a special gift for my sister now and again). When I started thinking about the cost of the gift, it was because I could not afford it even after giving something else up, and not because I wanted to keep some of the money myself.

My attitude in relation to tithing has taken a similar evolutionary process. I started giving out of obligation, then thinking I would probably get something in return, then wanting to do what was right. Now I tithe out of pure love, pleasure, and gratitude for what i have.

One final thought about attitude: When we receive something wonderful, we usually find a way to say thank you - a note, an email, or a quick phone call. When we give to God, God says thanks too. Sometimes God's signs of gratitude are immediate and other times delayed. Either way, additional blessings will be given in this life, or may be stored up for when we see God in eternity, after we have completed our lives here. But the Bible is clear: Giving with the proper attitude pleases God.

From: Tithing, Taxes, and Turmoil
Author: Donald Bowman
To be published in 2010

"When you take care of the pennies, God will give you dollars."

- Don Bowman

"Money: It doesn't fall from heaven but it does come from God."

- Don Bowman