Leftovers.

Merriam-Webster defines leftover as: something that remains unused or unconsumed.  Most of the time when we speak of leftovers we are talking about food.  However, the other day I read a post online discussing tithing in the local church, and the question was posed if we “honor” God by tithing our “leftovers?”  The thought process is this – that when you tithe, you are to write the tithe check or set the amount of cash back as the FIRST thing; before paying bills, buying gas for the car, food for the belly, etc…this falls under teaching in the church commonly called “firstfruits” giving, and is extracted from scripture in the Old Testament where Israel would bring the “first” of it’s grains/livestock, etc… (Proverbs 3:9,10; Nehemiah 10:35; Leviticus 23:10-14 are some examples)

Do I believe Christ-followers should give to the local church they attend?  Yes.  I don’t necessarily believe they have to give “first” before they buy gas, pay a bill, etc…(stressing this can quickly lead to legalistic thinking in terms of giving).  I do believe that the Bible calls us to be giving people, and under the grace thought process of the New Covenant in Christ, we don’t limit that to a certain percentage.  If a person is actively attending a local church, AND especially in our consumer-minded church culture today that person desires a ministry for every aspect of life (kids, youth, singles, marrieds, etc…) those things typically cost money to produce and giving to the local church assists in those things.  I am drifting off topic a little however, in that this post is not about the issue of tithing/giving, as much as it is about the concept of “leftovers.”

Here’s what bugs me…pastors and churches worldwide have gotten really good at playing the “leftover” card when it comes to tithing/giving.  Yet I rarely hear pastors/churches challenging the church in other areas of our lives where we give God the leftovers.  Let me explain…I know you don’t HAVE to go to church on Sunday morning to love Jesus – I also know that the Bible definitely points to the gathering together of local Christ-followers on a consistent basis as being vital to the health of not only the Christ-follower, but also the community.  So let’s just say for the sake of argument, that God DOES consider a public worship event that we call a church service important – if you know that event starts at 11:00 a.m., and you decide to stay out until 2:00 a.m., and you come dragging in at 11:20, not at all ready to worship, to engage the scripture, etc…aren’t you giving God your “leftovers?”  When your church has a mission opportunity, and you attend the event, but just stand off to the side instead of engaging the group you are ministering to, aren’t you giving God your “leftovers?”  If your church has a small group or Bible study they offer, and you attend each week having never studied the lesson, or having never giving time for prayer for the topic in your life – aren’t you giving God your “leftovers?”

See, playing the guilt card on people by stating they are giving God their leftovers in tithing is spiritual emotional manipulation.  Now, I would also say to the above examples that playing the guilt card in those situations is spiritual emotional manipulation as well.  I’m not advocating pastors or churches guilt anyone into anything.  Guilt is never a good motivating technique (neither is fear, but that’s for another post) and guilt never produces long-term growth that we should be seeking as Christ-followers.  BUT, we need to understand that in all areas of our life and our walk with Christ, He demands our all.  He doesn’t ask for our leftovers in giving, in time, in utilizing our gifts and abilities…He wants it all.  We need to move away from only describing leftovers in terms of money.  A person could write that 10% check the moment they get their hands on their paycheck, but still be falling short of what God is asking of them in other areas.  We would be wise as leaders and churches to move away from negative reinforcement techniques such as these, and instead focus on positive techniques, like the Scriptures.  Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 10:31:

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

There should be no leftovers in any part of our life when it comes to following Him.