"Tithing is just a church scheme to control people and take their money"
How it sounds in your head: You've seen the scandals—pastors with private jets, megachurches spending millions on buildings. It feels like manipulation, using guilt and Old Testament verses to fund their lifestyle. Surely God doesn't endorse that. You're not falling for the scam.
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."
-- Romans 14:12Cynicism and offense poisoning obedience, judging God's command by man's corruption.
Church abuse IS real and you've watched the documentaries. Some ministries DO misuse funds. It feels spiritually mature and discerning to reject what looks like a money grab.
They LIED about their giving—kept back part of the proceeds while pretending they gave it all. Peter said, 'You have not lied to men but to GOD' and they dropped dead instantly. Giving is between YOU and GOD, not you and leadership—their corruption doesn't change His command or your accountability.
I REFUSE the lie that church corruption cancels God's command. IT IS WRITTEN that I give account of MYSELF to God—not for others' sin, for my OWN obedience. Ananias and Sapphira tried to play games with their giving and discovered it was between THEM and GOD. I don't tithe to fund man's agenda; I tithe to HONOR God and open MY windows of heaven. Leaders will answer for misuse; I'll answer for obedience. IT IS WRITTEN in Malachi 3:10—God said TEST Him, and I will. I am Abraham's seed with the BARAK blessing that isn't dependent on human perfection. I give to GOD, not to man. I am BLESSED in my coming and going, the HEAD not the tail!
The Father sees your hurt over church abuse and He's not asking you to trust corrupt leaders—He's asking you to trust HIM. Your tithe isn't a donation to man's empire; it's seed planted in GOD's kingdom, and HE is faithful even when humans aren't. Like Abraham giving to Melchizedek, you're giving to the KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and He will personally ensure your obedience produces a harvest.