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.

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