Much is said about tithing, giving a tenth to a church or similar group or person, to allow employment of full-time or part-time workers and use of a building for worship or charity. Maybe denominations are strongly teaching it, especially church treasurers. There is less emphasis given to the teaching Jesus gave to the rich to sell their possessions and follow him: Laying up treasure in heaven. I have long felt the importance of balancing these teachings with the counterpart teaching, perhaps neglected of unpopular with treasurers and leaders, that there must never be neglect of providing for ones own family. To neglect this is to be worse than an unbeliever. Especially important and the minimum we must do in virtue for God which is to provide for immediate family. It is not virtuous to give to the poor but leave immediate family members in need. This is one reason it is good to read the scriptures, especially New Testament, for ourselves rather than let church treasurers pick out to read in church what keeps the books balanced. If the church members cannot give without depriving their families, then change the priorities of the church and its leadership positions. Paul encouraged leaders to follow his own example of working in manual work so as to minimise the need for church support of their ministry. The Temple we build is not one made with bricks and mortar. It is the lives of the believers. It is encouraging each other to stay in line with the teachings Jesus taught and those he revealed to his apostles.
