What Does God Need with 10% of Your Earnings?

Reading through the comments of The Secret of Living Well on $40,000 a Year, June Basham made this comment, "What about 10% to God. It belongs to him you know."

This made me wonder what does God need with 10% of everyone's earnings? God doesn't need 10% of everyone's earnings. Tidings to God doesn't pay the bills people. God is an invisible being that doesn't need money to live on. Nor does he need the money to feed his family, clothe them, or pay the utility bills.

The 10% June mentions goes to the church fund to pay the pastor, associate pastor - providing the church has one, the utilities of the church which includes the pastor's home along up keep. If the congregation of the church is lucky, they may see some of their own earnings returned to them in some kind of fashion like church sponsored dinners.

As for God needing your earnings because it belongs to him is sheer nonsense. God doesn't earn you the money you are making while slaving away at your jobs. If God needs money, he needs to show up at a job everyday and put in the work like those who are putting their money into the collection plate to pay for their pastor's lifestyle.

So before you or anyone else like June Basham throws in religion and God into someone's paycheck, you best have a conversation with "Uncle Sam." Although "Uncle Sam" was put into place at some point to put a face on our taxes. While there are stories, like the one about this fictional character being named after Samuel Wilson, there is at least organizations that are viable and visible that tax dollars go too.

However, since churches and clergy have tax breaks the common people they are supposed to serve don't have, this shows the all seeing and knowing God really doesn't need your money. Rev. Rick Warren has written books that has supplemented his income, but that isn't what God is about from what I remember from reading the Bible and going to church.

Diana B. Henriques brings to life what religion-based tax breaks members of the clergy are getting for their roles and jobs in the community. So in all actuality, God is getting his money from the government. What does he need with your extra money from your paychecks when you aren't receiving any of the same tax breaks your pastor and church are getting? Sound fair? Hardly since God wants an additional 10% of your paycheck and it doesn't belong to him since you can't claim him as a dependent on your taxes.

So in the end, God doesn't need 10% of your earnings for anything. Your 10% won't buy God's love, salvation, a forgiving of your sins, or an entry into Heaven. So keep your money, feed and clothe your family, and live life to the fullest.