I had an interesting and robust discussion with some Christian friends. We discussed that some Christians believe that it is wrong to accumulate wealth. Savings demonstrates a lack of faith. One friend believes we all should give all our money away and live frugally. He also believes that it is wrong to live comfortably while others go hungry, or while mission causes go unfunded. I, and several of my other friends in the discussion, believe that God has given us the ability to make money and we should give but still enjoy the fruits of our labours. Yet, I know there are others who believe that we should not even tithe to our local church until we are prompted by the Holy Spirit and then give spontaneously as we feel prompted, thus planned giving to support our local church is wrong because it is not "Spirit-led." In light of this interesting discussion I had with my friends, I am looking for Biblical and/or theologian referenced answers to the following questions:
1) What place does giving have in the Christian life?
2) Is the tithe to the local church enough or should every Christian give more?
3. What are some principles that should guide any giving above the tithe?
4) Should additional giving go to the local church only, or to other causes as well?
5) How should Christians balance giving for mission causes vs. giving to help the poor?
6) Is it ever right to deprive your local church of God's tithe in order to give to other needs?