Why it is that some people seem to have no problem generating wealth, and others - though they give and serve and sincerely try - never seem to get ahead? Is it because the wealthy ones are paying tithing or are more righteous? Unfortunately, with his comment to the members in Kenya, Pres. Nelson has offered an answer, however unwitting or extemporaneous it may have been. These kinds of statements go down in the records and create or revive myths that may perpetuate for generations.
Rather than tying the payment of tithing to breaking free from - or remaining in - poverty's cycle, perhaps it would have been more effective to connect tithing to a different form of prosperity other than financial prosperity.
But, then again, Pres. Nelson may really believe it. He surely isn't the only one. His wife, Wendy, told the young adults of the Church in 2016 about the unhelpful story of George Q. Cannon's attitude on tithing:
https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ ... eng#note6-
When we’re desperate to be guided by heaven, we work harder than ever to tune in to heaven. When we’re desperate to be physically healthy, we eat and exercise accordingly. No excuses! When we’re desperate to have more money, we eagerly follow the Lord’s law of finances—which is, of course, tithing!
Consider President George Q. Cannon’s approach to tithing when he was an impoverished young man. When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: “Oh bishop, I’m not paying tithing on what I make. I’m paying tithing on what I want to make.” And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!"
