Our Readers Ask

How Much Should I Donate?

God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Those words are known by millions throughout the world. However, some churchgoers may feel obligated to donate beyond their means. In fact, some religious denominations require that their members donate a fixed sum. The practice is called tithing, that is, giving 10 percent of ones income to the church. Does the Bible really require that we offer a fixed sum as a donation? Put personally, how much should I donate? Requirements and Voluntary Donations in the Past The Bible contains clear instructions to the nation of Israel about the amount God required them to give. (Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21, 24; Deuteronomy 12:4-7, 11, 17, 18; 14:22-27) These requirements were not excessive. Jehovah promised that in return for obedience to his laws, he would make the nation overflow with prosperity.Deuteronomy 28:1, 2, 11, 12. In other instances, the Israelites could voluntarily donate as much or as little as they desired. For example, when King David planned to build a temple for Jehovah, his subjects donated gold worth five thousand talents. (1 Chronicles 29:7) Contrast this with what Jesus observed when he was on earth. He saw a certain needy widow drop two small coins of very little value into the temple treasury chests. How much did her donation amount to? Only 1/64 of a days wages. Yet, Jesus said that this small sum was acceptable.Luke 21:1-4. Are Christians Required to Give a Set Amount? Christians are not under the Law covenant given to Israel. Thus, they are not obliged to give a set amount to God. However, in the true Christian congregation, giving is a source of much joy. Jesus Christ himself stated: There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.Acts 20:35. Jehovahs Witnesses support their worldwide preaching work through voluntary donations. These donations are used to print literature, such as the magazine you are reading, and to build and maintain their places of worship, known as Kingdom Halls. None of the funds collected are used to pay salaries. Some who devote themselves full-time to share in the disciple-making work do receive assistance to defray their transportation costs and other personal expenses. But no one demands such help. In fact, the vast majority of Jehovahs Witnesses do not receive any financial assistance to support their preaching work. Instead, most work secularly to support themselves, just as Paul did when he worked as a tentmaker.2 Corinthians 11:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:9. If a person wants to make a donation toward the work accomplished by Jehovahs Witnesses, how much should he give? The apostle Paul wrote: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7. You Received Free, Give Free YOU received free, give free. (Matthew 10:8) Jesus issued that instruction to his apostles when he sent them forth to preach the good news. Did the apostles obey this directive? Yes, and they continued to do so even after Jesus departed from the earth. For instance, when the former sorcerer Simon saw the miraculous powers possessed by the apostles Peter and John, he offered to pay them to impart that power to him. But Peter rebuked Simon, saying: May your silver perish with you, because you thought through money to get possession of the free gift of God.Acts 8:18-20. The apostle Paul displayed a spirit similar to Peters. Paul could have allowed himself to be a financial burden to his Christian brothers in Corinth. However, he worked with his own hands to support himself. (Acts 18:1-3) Thus, he could say with confidence that he had preached the good news to the Corinthians without cost.1 Corinthians 4:12; 9:18. Sad to say, many who claim to be followers of Christ have not shown the same willingness to give free. Indeed, many of the religious leaders in Christendom will instruct just for a price. (Micah 3:11) Some religious leaders have even become wealthy from money collected from their flocks. In 1989, one U.S. evangelist was sentenced to a jail term of 45 years. The reason? He had been defrauding supporters of millions of dollars and using some of the money to buy homes, cars, holidays and even an airconditioned dog kennel.Peoples Daily Graphic, October 7, 1989. In Ghana, according to the Ghanaian Times of March 31, 1990, a Roman Catholic priest took money that had been collected during one church service and hurled it back at the congregation. His reason, says the paper, was that, as adults, they were expected to contribute in higher denominations. Not surprisingly, many churches even try to appeal to greed in its members, actively promoting gambling activities and other schemes in order to raise money. By way of contrast, Jehovahs Witnesses endeavor to imitate Jesus and his early disciples. They have no paid clergy. Each Witness is a minister charged with the responsibility of preaching the good news of the kingdom to others. (Matthew 24:14) Over six million of them worldwide are therefore engaged in bringing lifes water free to the people. (Revelation 22:17) In this way, even those who have no money can benefit from the Bibles message. (Isaiah 55:1) Although their worldwide work is

funded by voluntary donations, they never solicit money. As true ministers of God, they are not peddlers of the word of God, but they speak out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God.2 Corinthians 2:17. Why, though, are Jehovahs Witnesses willing to help others, doing so at their own expense? What motivates them? Does giving free mean that they do so entirely without reward for their efforts? An Answer to Satans Challenge True Christians today are motivated primarily by a desire to please Jehovahnot to enrich themselves. Thus they are able to provide an answer to a challenge raised by Satan the Devil centuries ago. Regarding a righteous man named Job, Satan challenged Jehovah with the question: Is it for nothing that Job has feared God? Satan alleged that Job served God only because He had put a hedge of protection about him. If Job was deprived of his material goods, argued Satan, Job would curse God to his face!Job 1:7-11. To answer this challenge, God allowed Satan to put Job to the test, saying: Everything that he has is in your hand. (Job 1:12) The outcome? Job proved Satan a liar. No matter what adversities befell him, Job remained loyal. Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself! he said.Job 27:5, 6. True worshipers today show an attitude similar to Jobs. Their service to God is not motivated by material concerns. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Learn From Gods Word How Can You Recognize True Worship?

This article raises questions you may have asked and shows where you can read the answers in your Bible. Jehovahs Witnesses would be pleased to discuss these answers with you. 1. Is there only one true religion? Jesus taught his followers only one religion, the true religion. It is like a road leading to life. Regarding that road, Jesus said: Few are the ones finding it. (Matthew 7:14) God accepts only worship based on his Word of truth. All true worshippers are united in one faith.Read John 4:23, 24; 14:6; Ephesians 4:4, 5. 2. Why do so many different religions claim to be Christian? False prophets have corrupted Christianity and have used it to further their own interests. As Jesus foretold, they present themselves as his sheep but act like hungry wolves. (Matthew 7:13-15, 21, 23) False Christianity developed especially after Jesus apostles died.Read Acts 20:29, 30. 3. What are some features that distinguish true worship? True worshippers respect the Bible as Gods Word. They strive to live by its principles. So true religion differs from religion based on mens ideas. (Matthew 15:7-9) True worshippers do not preach one thing and practice another.Read John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. The true religion honors Gods name, Jehovah. Jesus made Gods name known. He helped people to know God and taught them to pray that Gods name be sanctified. (Matthew 6:9) Where you live, which religion promotes the use of Gods name?Read John 17:26; Romans 10:13, 14. 4. How can you recognize true worshippers? True Christians preach about Gods Kingdom. God sent Jesus to preach about the Kingdom. Gods Kingdom is the only hope for mankind. Jesus continued speaking about it until his dying day. (Luke 4:43; 8:1; 23:42, 43) He told his followers to preach about Gods Kingdom. If someone approaches you to speak about Gods Kingdom, to which religion does he likely belong?Read Matthew 10:7; 24:14. Jesus followers are no part of this wicked world. They take no part in political affairs or social conflicts. (John 17:16) Also, they do not imitate the worlds harmful practices and attitudes.Read James 1:27; 4:4. 5. What is the primary mark of true Christianity? True Christians have outstanding love for one another. From Gods Word, they learn to respect members of all ethnic groups. Although false religion has often strongly supported the wars of the nations, true worshippers refuse to do so. (Micah 4:1-4) Rather, members of the true religion unselfishly use their time and resources to help and encourage others.Read John 13:34, 35; 1 John 4:20, 21.

Which group bases all its teachings on Gods Word, honors Gods name, and proclaims Gods Kingdom as mankinds only hope? Which group practices love and does not support war? The facts point to Jehovahs Witnesses.1 John 3:10-12. For more information, see chapter 15 of this book, What Does the Bible Really Teach?, published by Jehovahs Witnesses. They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works.Titus 1:16 Do You Believe That You Have the One True Religion? Those who are serious about religion should think that the one theyve chosen is acceptable to God and Jesus. Otherwise, why would they be involved in it? Jesus Christ didnt agree with the view that there are many religions, many roads, all leading to salvation. Rather, he said: Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it. (Matthew 7:14) Jehovahs Witnesses believe that theyve found that road. Otherwise, theyd look for another religion. THE WATCHTOWER 2009-08-01 Are All Religions Good?

WE LIVE in a world of staggering religious diversity. One recent survey identified 19 major faiths and some 10,000 smaller religions worldwide. This variety offers people unprecedented religious choice. So does it matter which religion you choose? Some people say that different religions are like different roads leading up a mountain. To them, it does not matter which road they choose, since all roads lead to the same place. They reason that there is only one Almighty God, so all religions must ultimately lead to him. Do All Roads Lead to God? What did Jesus Christ, one of the most respected religious teachers in history, say on this subject? Enter through the narrow gate, he told his disciples. Why? For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Matthew 7:13, 14, The Holy BibleNew International Version. Was Jesus really saying that some religions lead to destruction? Or was he teaching that only unbelievers are on the broad road, whereas those who believe in Godno matter what their religionare on the narrow road that leads to life? Immediately after stating that there are only two roads, Jesus said: Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. (Matthew 7:15, New Century Version) Later he said: Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. (Matthew 7:21, Todays English Version) If someone is called a prophet or claims that Jesus is his Lord, it is reasonable to say that he is a religious person, not an unbeliever. Clearly, then, Jesus was warning that not all religions are good and not all religious teachers should be trusted. Is It Possible to Identify the Narrow Road? The Bible is like a reliable road map that can help a person find the correct religious path Since not all roads lead to God, how can you find among the thousands of options the narrow road that leads to life? Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are lost in a big city. You decide to ask for help. One person confidently tells you to go east. Another urges you to head west. Yet another suggests that you choose whatever direction feels best to you. Finally, a fellow traveler takes out a reliable map and shows you the correct route. He then gives you the map so that you can refer to it along the way. Would you not feel more confident of reaching your destination? So, too, when it comes to choosing the right religious road, we need a reliable spiritual road map. Does one exist? Yes, it does. That map is the Bible, which declares: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.2 Timothy 3:16, King James Version. You likely have available in your language a translation of the Bible that you can use as a spiritual road map. The publishers of this journal, Jehovahs Witnesses, produce a reliable Bible translation known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. However, if you are not one of Jehovahs Witnesses, you may prefer to use other translations when considering the subject of identifying good and bad religion. Therefore, this series of articles quotes from a number of Bible translations that are widely respected by other religious denominations. As you read the following articles, compare what you know with what the Bible says. Keep in mind Jesus words regarding how we can distinguish good religion from bad. He said: A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. (Matthew 7:17, 18, Contemporary English Version) Consider just three of the good fruits that the Bible says would identify the good tree.