In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Tithing—Putting God First,” Jorge T. Becerra teaches that discipleship requires choosing God first, even when doing so feels uncertain or requires personal sacrifice.
Yet for many, that raises a real question: Why would God ask for something like tithing, especially when resources already feel limited?
I witness that a spiritual power and direction, heretofore unknown, will come into our lives as we keep the law of obedience and sacrifice.
Common Criticism: “Why would God ask for tithing when people are already struggling financially?”
For some, tithing can feel counterintuitive or even burdensome. If God loves His children, why require a sacrifice that may seem to increase financial strain?
Fallacy at Work: Scarcity Mindset
A scarcity mindset assumes that giving reduces what we have and leaves us worse off. It focuses only on immediate, visible resources and overlooks spiritual growth and long-term blessings.
In this view, tithing appears to take rather than give.
Doctrine: Putting God First Resolves Spiritual Instability
Elder Becerra connects tithing to a deeper spiritual principle: avoiding double-mindedness.
- “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8)
- Christ taught, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33)
To be double-minded is to be divided, wavering between trust in God and reliance on self. Tithing becomes a way to choose God first, bringing clarity, stability, and commitment to discipleship.
Elder Becerra’s Correction
Elder Becerra teaches that tithing is not simply about money. It is about alignment.
Through his personal experience of selling his car to pay tithing, he illustrates that when we choose to put God first, we step out of hesitation and into trust.
That act of faith invited both temporal and spiritual blessings, including unexpected provision and deeper conviction.
Solution
Tithing is a spiritual practice that helps resolve divided loyalty. As we put God first, we become more focused, more faithful, and more receptive to His guidance.
“One way to overcome double-mindedness is to learn to put God first in our lives.”
Living Apologetics: Choosing God First in Real Life
Moments of decision often reveal what we value most.
Elder Becerra’s story is not just about finances. It is about choosing trust over hesitation.
Like him, we may face moments where:
- Obedience feels risky
- Resources feel limited
- Outcomes feel uncertain
In those moments, the question becomes: “Will I put God first, even now?”
Tithing is one expression of that decision, but the principle extends to many areas of life.
Practical Apologetic Use 
- If someone says: “Tithing doesn’t make sense when money is tight.”
- You can respond: “Elder Becerra teaches that tithing is about putting God first. It helps us move from uncertainty to trust, and that shift brings both spiritual strength and guidance.”
Ways to Apply Today
1️⃣ Identify one area where you feel “double-minded” and choose to put God first in that decision.
2️⃣ Approach tithing as an act of trust, not just obligation. Reflect on what it teaches you about your relationship with God.
3️⃣ Recall a time when choosing obedience led to unexpected help or clarity.
Keep This Talk With You
Elder Becerra invites us to consider not just what we give, but how we live.
A life of discipleship cannot be divided. When we try to hold back part of ourselves, uncertainty grows.
But when we choose to put God first, something changes.
Clarity replaces confusion.
Trust replaces hesitation.
Faith replaces fear.
This week:
- Choose God first in one decision. Even a small act of obedience strengthens spiritual alignment.
- Act with trust. Move forward, even when the outcome is not fully clear.
- Watch for spiritual light. Notice how your perspective changes as you prioritize the Lord.
As we do, the promise is real:
Spiritual capacity increases.
Direction becomes clearer.
And we become more firmly rooted in Christ.
Where in my life am I divided—and what would it look like to truly put God first?
The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.
A Question for Church Leaders Regarding Tithing and Temple Access
Elder Jorge T. Becerra’s recent message, “Tithing—Putting God First,” raises an important question that sincere disciples of Christ should carefully consider:
Does God today require a specific 10% tithe and make it a condition of temple worship, or does Christ’s law focus primarily on voluntary generosity, sacrifice, and caring for the poor?
Many Christians would answer that Christ’s emphasis was not on enforcing a fixed percentage, but on developing a willing heart that loves God and serves others.
Throughout the New Testament, Christ repeatedly emphasized mercy, compassion, faith, justice, and caring for those in need. He praised the widow who gave from her poverty, not because she met a required percentage, but because of her sacrifice and devotion. The Apostle Paul taught that giving should be done “not grudgingly, or of necessity,” but willingly and cheerfully.
This question becomes even more significant when access to temple ordinances is conditioned upon payment of a full tithe.
Church leaders themselves have spoken of a future day when tithing would no longer be required because the Church would become financially self-sustaining. President Joseph F. Smith taught:
“We expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose.”
Decades later, Elder Boyd K. Packer referenced that same prophetic expectation, reaffirming the vision of a Church that would someday support itself without depending on member contributions.
Today, public reports indicate that the Church possesses financial resources measured in the tens of billions of dollars. In addition, investigations and disclosures regarding Church investment reserves have raised questions among many members about transparency and the continued necessity of requiring tithing as a prerequisite for temple worship.
The issue is not whether generosity is good. Christians have always been commanded to help the poor, support the work of God, and sacrifice for righteous causes.
The issue is whether a person’s worthiness before God should be measured by a financial declaration.
Christ spoke strongly to religious leaders who used authority in ways that burdened God’s people:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.” (Matthew 23:13)
He also warned:
“They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” (Matthew 23:4)
And perhaps most importantly:
“Woe unto you… for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.” (Matthew 23:23)
When faithful members who love Christ are denied access to the temple because they cannot pay a full tithe, many wonder whether the Church is repeating the very error Christ condemned—placing financial requirements above mercy and compassion.
The temple was established as the House of the Lord.
Christ declared:
“My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer.” (Mark 11:17)
He did not say it was a house for those with sufficient income.
He welcomed the poor, the widow, the laborer, the sinner, and the outcast.
He invited all:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
This is not an attack on faith, sacrifice, or generosity.
Rather, it is a plea to remember the heart of Christ’s gospel.
The flock was not given to leaders to be measured by financial compliance, but to be shepherded in love.
The poor should never feel that heaven’s blessings are reserved for those who can afford them.
For where mercy is absent, religion loses its power.
And where the House of God becomes inaccessible to the struggling, there is reason to ask whether the traditions of men have begun to overshadow the teachings of Christ.
You have misquoted Joseph F. Smith and misconstrued Boyd K. Packer’s later reference to his talk.
https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Tithing?title=Tithing&_mw=1782006589732#Will_tithing_ever_go_away?
Everyone can afford to pay tithing. Please refer to the very article you were responding to.