My memory is not as I wish it to be, but it seems to me that this very quote was used by President Monson in a talk once. I have not been able to find it and wonder if I do not remember it right. I am going to relate this and ask if anyone is familiar with the talk.

President was not the president at the time when this occasion arose. He knew an individual who was quite wealthy. This man declared himself a full tithepayer. Since he had some idea of how much this man had, and knew of his tithing donation levels (leads me to think President Monson was in a Bishopric or Stake Presidency at the time) he asked the individual about how he paid his tithing. The Man said that at the start of the year he had at least some idea about how much his income would be so he set money aside to pay his tithing. As needs arose, people in need, a hospital, the scout program he would write a check. When the money was used up he was a tithepayer. He smiled at President Monson and asked what Tommy thought of that. President Monson replied that he was quite generous, with someone else s money. It was a while before the next time they met, and the individual shook his hand and said “I want you to know that I now pay my tithing the same way that you do.” I look at what I have tried to write and am absolutely sure it was expressed more effectively in the original.

As I understand it (partly from this talk) is that I should pay my tithing first. Giving to the needy and other good causes if we are able to do that should be done after we have paid our tithing. It is not the value of the money we gave that is important, but the value that we gave of ourselves.

“And I ask you as well, who are we to determine

how the Lord will spend His funds? Are we called to make that

determination? Do we have the authority or spiritual link to claim

superior knowledge and understanding concerning the Lord’s will as to

His kingdom on the earth. There has been a fair amount of controversy,

for example, in the recent past over the downtown Salt Lake shopping

mall. Many accusations have sprung up around the web against the Church

and the use of its funds. But I have to wonder, why is consideration

never given to the idea that it was the Lord’s will. Somehow many of us

seem to think we know better than the prophet, better than the apostles.

Somehow we think ourselves more enlightened, more holy, and more in

tune with God’s true will. But we are not. Let’s show a bit of faith here

that God is leading His Church. Let’s trust and sustain those He has

chosen to do so, in both their efforts on the spiritual front and the

temporal front of God’s kingdom.”

Oh if I could trumpet this to every single member of the
Church who wastes time and energy trying to parse, disparage, or pick apart
things that don’t belong to them.

Thank you for your kind words.

I’m thankful for your wisdom and knowledge! This sight has been a tremendous treasure of truth!