Monday, May 7, 2012

May Wise Stewards Finance Tip


Wise Steward Newsletter Series 2, Article 2

“Pay an honest tithing. Successful financial management in every LDS home begins with the payment of an honest tithe. If our tithing and fast offerings are the first obligations met following the receipt of each paycheck, our commitment to this important gospel principle will be strengthened and the likelihood of financial mismanagement will be reduced. Paying tithing promptly to Him who does not come to check up each month will teach us and our children to be more honest with those physically closer at hand.”                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                      –from Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s "Guide to FamilyFinance" in the April 2000 Ensign

We’ve been commanded to pay tithing.  We’ve also been promised great blessings if we keep this commandment.  I’ve heard many stories about blessings received from the payment of tithing and even had my own personal experiences that have strengthened my testimony of this law.  Even without a show of divine intervention, it just makes sense.  The Lord gives us commandments that help us to be happy.  We may not understand the reasons at first, but sooner or later they become apparent.  The Word of Wisdom is seen as a strange commandment by those outside our faith, but as I get older I see the benefits in my body compared to those who have lived differently.  The act of paying tithing is something that takes discipline, and just like living the Word of Wisdom, the results aren’t always immediately apparent.  As Elder Ashton mentions, no one will be checking up each month to make sure you’ve paid, but when you are organized and disciplined with this principle, it lays the foundation for a responsible outlook on other financial matters.

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