What about the tithes?

Dear Editor,

With churches being told that as a part of the COVID-19 protocols, a maximum of 25 percent of the sanctuary should be available for regular service, they have opened bank accounts to assist members in keeping up with their seeding.

However, some believe that during this time, with a sluggish economy and so many people not working, tithing should not be a priority.

Nevertheless, it is in times such as these when our faith is being tested that we need to tithe.

When we tithe we place God as our number one priority. Instead of worrying about not having enough, we trust in his abundance.

Tithing is a primary expression of the Christian discipline of stewardship.

In good times, it helps you remember that God is the source of all blessings.

The buzz on the wire is that some preachers are self-serving and should not be asking for donations during this time.

Unfortunately like in any profession, there are unscrupulous people. The pulpit is no different.

We have been forewarned: “For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” — Mathews 24:24.

But they are in the minority, and we should not let them discourage us from being obedient and maintaining our convictions.

The church cannot function without tithes and donations.

Tithes pay the pastors the maintenance bills and give to the poor and needy.

Besides being a counselor the pastors are both mother and father of their flock.

I know many churches that pay the rent, put food on the table, and clothe many members. But because they’re not seeking to win any popularity contest they don’t publicize everything they are doing.

As for the priests who are using their collar in dubious ways to get over, don’t worry about them; they will get their comeuppance in due time.

Coronavirus, especially the latest delta and omicron variants, is beating all of us. And if the church is to help lessen the weight of our burden, your tithes and donations are needed.

If we think things are tough now, imagine how bad it would be if the churches could no longer help the poor folks as they have been doing.

I remember many years ago if not for the powder milk and yellow cheese from the Catholic Church on Fridays many of us would go to bed hungry.

This world upheaval caused by the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic has many people reaching for their bibles, some wondering if it’s the end of the world.

While doing so, it would be a good idea to read up on the power of tithing.

During a recent debate on churches and tithes, a friend of mine reminded me that we are facing the worst crisis we have ever encountered and here we are squabbling over 10 percent.

It is not something we should be doing at this time.

He said, “We are struggling but, remember, countries worldwide are faring worse than us”.

While tithing might be a challenge at this time, we should do our best, and if they are the problem, forget the pastors. Do it for the widows and orphans.

Drop the envelope in the basket, get vaccinated, and have a safe weekend.

God bless The Bahamas

— Anthony Pratt

Victoria Boulevard

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