1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Study the quote carefully because it is frequently misquoted. One kind of evil would be to justify a “little” dishonesty with a large company that will never miss what was taken. However, in the eyes of God you are still a thief.
Matthew 6:24 states, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Self, gain and greed are the mammon of the world that cannot be served in conjunction with God. One glaring example of financial impropriety is the ubiquitous prosperity preachers with their “give to get” seed-faith message.
What kind of integrity does God require concerning tithes and offerings (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)? We are merely stewards of possessions that belong to God. Even our income should be viewed as God’s provision. Therefore, as Christians we are not actually giving anything to God. The greater blessings of the New Testament imply a willingness to go beyond the Old Testament tithing in the use of our income and possessions (as well as time and talents) in the service of the Lord. The most effective and primary recipient of our resources (income as well as time and talent) is in a local Bible-believing, missionary-minded church where the Word of God is taught and Christ is honored.
Those concerned with the integrity of the Gospel here in the United States might consider supporting ministries such as Understanding the Times, Berean Call, Answers in Genesis and Institute for Creation Research. Those who would like to support apostolic ministries that use indigenous Christians to reach those who have never heard might consider Gospel for Asia, Advancing Native Missions, and World Help. Wall Watchers is an independent source for ministry information that highly rates the preceding ministries.1
1 http://www.ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/H_Home.asp
