I've been trying to encourage my son to read chapter books. He is six years old. Also, he desperately wants a Nintendo DS, but some weeks he changes that wish to an iPad or "Candle-Fire". So, about a year ago, I told him I'd pay him $5 for every chapter book he finished. Until this week, I've only had to pay up once -- and believe me, I've tried. He has recently read "Diary of a Whimpy Kid" and "Diary of a Whimpy Kid, the Ugly Truth". So, I went to pay him this evening.
I stopped myself and said, "Here's the $10 I owe you for reading. If you choose to pay tithing on this, the tithing would be $1. And $1 is one tenth or 10% of this $10."
He giggled and said, "I'm choosing not to pay tithing. I will pay tithing AFTER I get my DS."
"Is this what you think Heavenly Father would want you to do?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
This caused me a moment of reflection. He's 6. How many of us act like 6 year olds?
- Thanks God, for the 100% of everything I have. After I get what I want, I'll be happy to show You my gratitude and give You back 10%.
- I know I should "give back" to my community. I'll do that later, after I buy the new TV, and go to Target for $100 worth of stuff, and Costco for $300 worth of stuff.
I am by no means advocating shirking your responsibilities to feed and clothe your family or pay your bills. But, maybe this year as we approach the holidays & a new year of resolutions, we consider doing a little better and sacrificing a little more. Let me work on that.
