A week ago, someone asked me my views on tithing.

After a decade of hearing from women who over-give and tithe themselves INTO poverty, my view may be different than she expected.

I don’t believe we can manipulate the universe into making us rich by donating as a vehicle to wealth creation. Life doesn’t work that way.

Here’s my take on tithing: it’s an individual choice. Give for giving’s sake. That can look lots of ways.

I’m a pushover for about a dozen charities, and typically spend LARGE amounts of money each year on stuff I believe in–animals, human rights, the environment, Cynthia Kersey’s Unstoppable Foundation.

NOT to get any abundance back… but because the pain of leaving things as they are is too great, when I could make a difference.

I don’t see this as tithing. I see it as an experience of abundance.

And I love to give nice things to my local Jewish Council Thrift or Good Will. Clean clothes, furniture, housewares in good condition. Because NOTHING makes me more aware of how much I have… than giving away beautiful things that I don’t need.

And back in the day when I had less cash and a tighter budget, I gave my time and effort (still do). That’s the most precious gift we have to give.

The bottom line is GIVE to the world because giving will make you a happier human being. Give love, time, effort, attention, expertise, things, assistance, and–when you feel called–give cash. Because you want to make a difference. Not because of some idea that giving will make the universe owe you something and reward you with cash.

MORGANA RAE is an internationally acclaimed life coach, author, and professional speaker, who is regarded as the world’s top Relationship with Money coach. Morgana’s groundbreaking program for attracting wealth has featured her on ABC-TV, PBS, NPR, United Press International and The Wall Street Journal online. Learn how to become a Money Magnet with her FREE 4-part video gift series. Fill out your name and email at the top of the page. (We promise not to share your info!)