Tithing Contracts, Sign Me Up

I want to say up front that I'm not really suggesting that we do what I'm about to discuss, but I do think it's an interesting thing to think about.

Last spring my wife and I joined a new gym. This gym was just opening and we were moving, which made this new gym more convenient for us (based on location). Unlike the Y, where you can quit anytime and probably only end up paying for about 1 more month than you want to until they get the account draft stopped, at our new gym it comes with a 2 year contract with only a couple of out-clauses (like moving more than 25 miles away).

This means that if we suddenly decide to stop working out, we'll have to pay the membership out. It's unlikely that this will be a major issue and once you reach the 2 year mark you become month-to-month, but whatever happens you're committed.

I've noticed something about this new gym. It just keeps getting busier. I was told recently they now have more than 2300 members. Unlike what we always saw at the Y, the crowds of January quickly diminished and the regulars remained, we are still battling growing crowds - even at unspeakably early hours of the morning.

But if you think about it, maybe being staked to a commitment really is worth something in causing people to take something seriously.

So what about the Church? What if we had new members sign a contract that obliged them to tithe for 2-years regardless of whether they attended services, were involved or not? I wonder if people would go for that? It doesn't seem to be scaring people away from joining the gym. And not only are they joining, they're showing up. Maybe a tithing contract would give people a little push to get involved. Maybe we're a little too tentative when it comes time to call people to something difficult.

I'm not saying we should actually do this. Scripture is clear that giving should be from a willing, joyful heart, not forced. I just think it's interesting that in some instances people will sign up in droves for a commitment, but in others we will make all manners and sorts of excuses to avoid any kind of commitment.

I'm just saying...