My rule of thumbs are as follows: (1) The same amount of money is worth more now than the same amount of money later... so I will pay the Lord with the best money (money when earned) and then make a little effort latter to figure out the difference when I retire to pay Him the increase when I receive it (money when earned, again). (2) You do not know when you will die,.. I do not want to die without being a full-tithe payer and whomever would receive/inherit my 401k funds would not be able to pay tithing for me on it. How tragic if my 401k funds were used only to pay my debts (e.g. mortgage) and none of what was intended for the Lord went to Him. (3) It's all the Lord's anyways,... why not take the route of how very much and how very soon we can give to Him so that there can be no question as to our loyalties. (4) Just because we can't feel the increase now, (e.g. putting money into a 401k) does not mean it is not increase. I would think based on that simple principle we'd want to pay it when we receive it (despite not having it go directly into our wallets). I hope the above helps someone. If anyone can provide me a more faithful way to pay my tithing, I would be grateful.
