Consider the Tithe
11.16.2020
Is tithing obsolete? Should I tithe and why? How much should I give if tithing is an Old Testament requirement?
Let me say right up front that I do not know, nor do I want to know if a person gives an offering at church. I believe this is part of the relationship that a person will have with God as a mature Christian. Therefore, it does not concern me.
The tithe is the point that everyone makes when it comes to how much to give. “Tithe” meaning tenth, was the Old Testament mark for the Jewish community to give in accordance with God’s direction and it was for the operating expenses of the temple. This was because the Levitical priests had no inheritance with which to earn money, and because it was set up that way by God…not man.
In looking at the idea of the tithe/tenth of earnings as giving and offering, this was just a small part of the actual giving that took place in that day. There were many other “tenths” that were to be tithed from, the first of the flocks, the first of the grain, the first of etc, etc. So that in reality the giving of a Jew may run into 30% or more.
I like the verse from Deuteronomy 16:17 which pushes the tithe out the door. “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” This was in light of verse 15, “For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy may be complete.”
So, they were told they “must bring” a gift in proportion to how the LORD (notice all caps) your God has blessed you, because “He will bless you in all” things.
To answer the questions I posed in the beginning, “No, tithing is NOT obsolete.” “Yes you should tithe, because God has commanded you to do so.” “You should give as you are able, are led by the Holy Spirit, and in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you…Old or New Testament giving.”
Luke 12:15, “Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” CEB.
The tenth is a minor amount when we consider that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills…in other words, He is not in need of anything we have and what we have is not ours anyway, it is His. The tenth is mankind’s way to get out as cheaply as possible as if he were meeting a membership requirement.
Church’s struggle, especially now, because not only do so called Christians NOT give a tenth, they don’t give anything.
For your consideration, God does not want you to give what you do not want to give. “God loves a cheerful giver.” Don’t give God anything that you consider as a burden, keep it. If you don’t have enough to give, don’t give. And don’t make that a stumbling block to keep you out of corporate Worship and praise gathering. Go give your praise, your attendance, if that is all you have, but make sure you give it from the heart and joyfully.
I hope this helps you to start a plan to Joyfully give in thanks, to the Almighty who gives good gifts to His children, us.
Pastor Randy