Proverbs 25:14 NKJV

[14] Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.

I was raised by a man who wouldn't (for years) darken the door of a church. Mom took us. She sang in the choir. She served as the church secretary. She honored the Lord with her presence and her abilities. She was our spiritual rock and set the example for us to go to church.

What stood out the most to me about my dad was, although he wouldn't go, he always paid his tithes. He didn't make a big showing. He never mentioned his willing support of the church. He certainly didn't attend, but he was quick and careful to honor the Lord with his finances. Mom set the standard in my life for attendance. Dad created the legacy of honoring God with my firstfruits.

I don't believe that faithful giving has to be something paraded around for praise. I don't give for the recognition by men. I don't choose to pay tithes for fear of some cosmic retribution. God has always been faithful. Why would I choose not to be?