It is sometimes shocking to see how much this subject causes division within the body of Christ. Tithing is a biblical principle that many Christians have a hard time accepting because it tests not only our generosity but also our faith. This post will attempt to shed some light on what the Bible has to say about tithing, and why it is still relevant in the life of today's Christian.
When it comes to teaching on tithing, the most common passage referenced is Malachi 3:8-10. Three things stand out to me from that passage:
- We as mere humans can steal from God... meaning He is ENTITLED to a portion of what we have. When we withhold it, we are holding on to what is not really ours in the first place.
- Tithing has purpose. It is God's provision for His house and for His work. Those who work in God's house have a right to live off tithes.
- Tithing is an opportunity to receive extraordinary blessing from God. It is an instruction with a reward directly attached to it.
The argument Christians typically give when they don't want to tithe is that it is an out-dated instruction given in the Old Testament, so it is one that does not matter under the new covenant. To this I will respond, how many of the 10 commandments are directly stated in the New Testament? Most of them are implied as well, but that does not make them void in Christ. I believe that in the New Testament we are called to give even more than 10% to God. Remember how Jesus commended the widow who gave all she had? Based on that story, 10% is not even enough, in Christ we are also called to give SACRIFICIALLY.
Mark 12:41-44 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood. (NKJV)
Unfortunately some churches and their leaders have misused God's money and as a result many Christians who want to give have a problem with giving to the church, and insist it does not matter if we give our "tithes" to charitable causes outside the church. First and foremost it ceases to be a tithe when it is given to anything else other than kingdom work.
Let us look at the origin story of tithing. It is not possible to fully understand tithing without knowing how it came into existence. Tithes were instituted to cater to God's house and God's servants.
Numbers 18:24 For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’ (NKJV)
Numbers 18:8-32 is devoted to outlining how the Levites were to make use of the tithes offered to God by Israel. That is how God provided for them since they were not supposed to have any other source of livelihood. Servants of God are still entitled to living off what is offered to God.
Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (NKJV)
Personally I am intentional about giving to ministries that bless me... and I encourage you to do same... it is a Biblical principle. And my tithe belongs to where I fellowship weekly. The rent has got to be paid right?
It is also important to note that, under the new covenant, we are not only intructed to give, we are expected to do so whole heartedly. It is not only about giving, but our heart's posture as well.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (NKJV, emphasis added)
Note that giving always has a reward attached to it, but the reward should never be the motivation behind one's generosity. God will know, He is the only one we cannot lie to.
Inorder to tithe faithfully, one must adjust one's mindset or view... you're not giving the money to a church/pastor, you are giving it to God. If they mismanage God's money, He will hold them accountable. It is not our responsibility. Do not get me wrong, we are expected to do our due diligence to make sure there are no obvious signs of funds misappropriation in the church(es) or ministries we give to. Think about it, why should you belong to a church whose leadership you wouldn't trust with your resources?
In summary, I believe a lot of Christians don't tithe, because of one or more of the following three reasons: ignorance, arrogance and fear.
- Ignorance: Many of us in church are not aware of how tithing or not tithing can affect our lives financially. When you give the 10%, the 90% that is left is always more than enough. But when you withhold the 10%, the 100% might not even be enough.
- Arrogance: It takes humility to be open minded enough to admit that one is wrong. Many Christians get theological about it and have argued against tithing or so long that it is really hard for them to yield to a conviction that they just might be wrong.
- Fear: A lot are afraid of not having enough left to meet their needs, if they give 10%. That is where faith comes in. Remember Proverbs 3:9-10... God will definitely honor His word. In my experience, He always does.
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