Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.
Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.
The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving.
The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Great post!
I agree completely with the things you have said here. The tithe system WAS more of a legal thing as proscribed in the Old Testament. It seems almost like the tax code we have right here in this country. The tithe was necessary simply to support the operation of the “government” at that time, which was the system of the Temple and so forth.
As with the Law, we are not bound necessarily but that now. But, as you pointed out, we are certainly not released from an obligation to give to and support God’s work financially.
I like the 10 percent figure, just for the ease and convenience of that as a great place to center my giving. I know that, each and every time I get paid, a certain amount goes to The Lord, just like a certain amount goes to my car payment, electric bill, or whatever. Above and beyond that, needs arise and I try to meet them as they come up and as God grants me the ability to do.
Keep up the good work!
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Thank you, Wally, for your comments. They are greatly appreciated.
Two things should have been added to this post; of which I regret not emphasizing when releasing it. One, is the fact that the Temple Government, of the Old Testament, were also required to release 10% to the poor (of which you elude to). The second, and perhaps the most important for today, is the command to “give from the first fruit”.
I thought of this after reading your comment “I know that, each and every time I get paid, a certain amount goes to The Lord, just like a certain amount goes to my car payment, electric bill, or whatever.” You are correct in your statement and as, in your case, you offer 10%; but that 10% must be the very first to be taken from your pay…. not the second 10% (or any percentage amount). In order for people to tithe appropriately, and keeping with the “First Fruit command,” it [that amount] must be separated first and given first…..
That was my mistake in not including these to the post…. guess I learned something here. smiling.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours…
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My pleasure! My feelings on giving are very strong. There is not nearly enough cheerful giving. And the blessings from it are so wonderful. And no…I’m not some prosperity gospel guy LOL. But, God does bless us if we trust Him enough to give.
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I am sure your commitment to giving is strong and the world should give more [generally]. Many cling to their wealth and try to be misery with their possessions….. missing the joy of seeing someone blessed through their giving. I have just now finished responding to Claire and her comments and think them beneficial for you as well… I am reminded of scripture: [of which] “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). And, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31:
I am not sure there is anything wrong with preaching the gospel of prosperity, Wally, dependent of course, upon (I suppose) your intensions of wanting (desiring) wealth (prosperity) and what is the intent of it’s usage upon receipt of it. The Bible is filled to overflowing with verse after verse of teaching prosperity. I find in Daniel [Therefore, Your Majesty,] “be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Daniel 4:27. Job had a great deal to speak on prosperity.. as does proverbs and Psalms (just to name a few). We must, therefore, be good stewards of God’s blessing to us.
Wally, keep the faith and continue to be a blessing to others…… and, as advice to everyone, “continue to store your treasures in Heaven…. whre they will not rust or be stolen (smiling)..
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continue to bless and keep you and yours always.
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Keep up the good work too.
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I will, Yoshiko, and thank you so very much for being a friend……
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Most welcome, Michael 🙂
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Reblogged this on Daylight Tune Ministries.
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I wish to thank you, Yoshiko, for the re-blogging of this post. I do appreciate it sincerely. As I appreciate you and all you do.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours – now and always.
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Most welcome, Michael. May The Lord bless you too.
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Good post I heartily agree! Not a duty but a joy!
I try to tithe each month (sometimes I forget) but I have a different system. I set it aside and send it where I think it’s most needed and will bare most fruit (to my mind not usually a church or large charity organisation). For example last month it was to a bombed out Christian family in Gaza that needed blankets and heating, the month before an old friend of my son’s who urgently needed the deposit on a room or she’s be homeless, before that a missionary in Nepal that needed to move house (get the idea?) I see giving to whatever cause as giving to God. He always pays back more than I give (His economic plan) and I’ve found there’s great satisfaction in meeting a personal need.
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Thank you Claire for your visit and for your comment. Both are greatly appreciated.
As I read your comment (testimony) I am reminded of scripture: [of which] “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). I have to agree with you, Claire, there is great joy in giving and God does reward us. You have chosen to Honor God in your own way…. through helping the needy and that is what God calls us to do. In scripture we find “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31:
What you are doing, and the manner of which you are doing it, Honors God and you will receive a just reward from God who sees all of our works.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob continue to bless and keep you and yours. Shalom….
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Thanks God bless you also.
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