Questions & Answers

While the Bible does not identify a particular percentage for first-fruit giving, the priority of "paying God first" is clear and clearly not to be set aside. However, you do not speak of stopping your first-fruit giving but of decreasing the percentage of that giving for a limited time period and for a specific purpose. A fiscal or money management case can be made for this without difficulty. But what potentially hangs in the balance is your conscience. Only you can know that well enough to give the ultimate answer to your question. If you honestly feel this is not the best way to honor your gracious and generous God, do not take this route. Remain alert to rationalizing that does not adequately reflect your new life in Christ.

When dealing with an uncertain or doubting conscience, pastoral counsel is normally not to do what is contemplated. Stay the course. Protect your conscience. Entrust to God your ability to get out from beneath this burden of debt, and know that he is able to give you stamina and cheerfulness despite the fiscal restraint and challenges that will be a part of the next couple of years. The fiscal pain you feel now (alongside the overriding joy in God's grace and forgiveness) can serve as a healthy reminder of the trouble that financial mismanagement brings with it. In the long run you will be richer for having that lesson learned and ingrained in you during this period of discomfort. Small price to pay!