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If you are like many people these days, you might be struggling with the issue of tithing. That’s certainly understandable, as there are so many unanswered questions and a lot of confusion surrounding the subject:
• Is tithing required in order to be a true Christian?
• Are present-day Christians bound by Old Testament law regarding tithing?
• How much should it be… 10% or more?
• Should it be on one’s net or gross income?
• What about windfall money or tax refunds?
• Will my life get better when I give?
To answer these questions, let’s first define what we mean by the word “tithe” …
The word tithe represents the tenth part of something. Under Old Testament law, all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned or grew to the temple. The law also required other additional “tithes” as taxes to provide for the specific needs of the priests, the temple, and the poor.
However, the New Testament nowhere commands that Christians submit to a legalistic tithing system and are under no obligation to fulfill the command to tithe as given to the Israelites.
But does that mean we should be content to do nothing?
Paul wrote in his first letter to the Church in Corinth that believers should set aside a portion of their income not as a tithe, but rather as an offering:
“16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-3 NJKV)
An offering is something freely given to the work of the Lord, first to one’s local church, then to other ministries and missions. God loves a cheerful giver, one
who does so from their heart gives willingly… without being compelled to do so. Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to give generously from their hearts, each one deciding before God what to give. It doesn’t matter whether it is your gross or net income, windfall money, or even tax refunds. Regardless of the source or amount of your income, consider this…
“7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9: 7 NKJV)
How Much is Enough?
The New Testament does not mandate a specific percentage of income but states gifts should be in keeping with income. Christians should diligently pray and seek God’s direction on how much to give. The Book of James gives us more insight:
“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NKJV)
Is It Ever Okay Not to Give?
There are situations where it may not be appropriate to give. If a Christian is behind on rent, has no food in the house, has no gas for the family car, is delinquent with debt payments, or needs to support elderly or infirm parents, it would be proper to stop giving offerings to the church… as it would be poor witness to do otherwise. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he makes it clear that believers have a responsibility to provide for their families, writing that a man is worse than an unbeliever if he does not provide for his family:
“8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 NJKV)
Finally, this post would not be complete without addressing this issue...
The prosperity gospel, also known as Word of Faith, name it and claim it, or positive confession, each involves saying aloud what you want to happen with the expectation that God will make it a reality. Prosperity gospel adherents claim that words have spiritual power and that if one speaks aloud the right words with the right amount of faith, we can gain riches and health, bind Satan, or accomplish anything we want.
It’s a deception…
Almost always, the false teachers seem to be the only ones who prosper from such unbiblical doctrines. While people put offerings, which sometimes they can ill afford, into the deceiver’s collection plates, the false teachers themselves often enjoy extravagant lifestyles with the money.
Until next time...
Until next time, I'm Jim McCraigh.
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PODCAST: Is Tithing an Outdated Concept?