There it is, I said it. I think this is the first I’ve ever heard myself go straight out and say it. Stop tithing, and Get out of debt. I don’t want you to give another dime until all of your unsecured credit is paid off. I’m not talking about your house, or your car, or your school loans. I’m talking about all the store and credit card debt. Get out of Debt!
“No one can serve two masters”. Although that statement in the context of scripture was not referring to debt, I believe it is applicable as a stewardship principle. It’s hard to serve God with your money while you are still a slave to debt. It’s also hard to serve God with your money while you are a slave to possessions as well. I know there are some legitimate people who are not slaves to possessions but have some debt lingering over them. In those cases, the simple answer is to get out of debt, and then you can give God your money.
Do not bow to the pressure of the tithing threats while you are in debt. God does not judge a person by what they’ve given; He judges them by what they’ve kept. You need to be a wise steward, and part of that is making the decision to get out of debt, and then give to God. Actually, here’s a thought that just ran through my head. Who said that paying your bills and striving to get out of debt is not giving to God? The misconception is that paying your bills or striving to be debt free is not a spiritual way of giving. Are you somehow dishonoring God if you pay off your debts? Why would God be more honored if you paid the parishioner, but were late on your bills? Where is the honor in that?
God judges us based on our stewardship. I’ve stated this so many times as an example, but it is so relevant: The servant who gave 100% back to the master when he returned, was the one considered a bad steward. A good analogous word for “steward” is “investor”.
In the end, the truth is we will be judged by our investments. Whether we are in debt or not, God will burn up our works like wood, hay, and stubble if we’ve invested in worldly things. If you are struggling financially, and cannot get out of debt no matter what you’ve done, then stop giving it away and start investing in the plan to get out of debt. If you have trouble with debt because of self-control, then get some accountability, get some instructions, follow a plan to stop spending; and start investing in a debt-free life. Dave Ramsey and Crown Financial offer good programs to help you get out of debt. Don’t feel guilty about putting your money towards debt instead of in the offering plate. God will honor your decision for being a wise, investing steward.
Remember, God’s blessings are reaped naturally by a cause and effect more than they are reaped miraculously, such as money falling from the sky. You will reap what you sow. If you sow a debt-free life, you will reap the rewards that come from it. The natural reward of a debt-free life is not money falling from the sky. However, I wouldn’t pass that up.
There are only two paths you can take toward Godly stewardship. One leads to debt as your master, and the other path leads to financial freedom as your master. Which path are you going to choose?
Romans 13:8 – Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on Good Friday in 2008; baptized the following July. No a year or so later I am questioning a few things – titheing and the Sabbath. But since this blog is on tithing – I appreciate your testimony because I have been and still am in serious financial straights. I hardly have $$ for cat food let along giving to the church. And naturally I feel guilty (my own imposition, not by others). But when the tray is passed and I look away – well you get the picture. A friend of mine has often said to me as i start to count change (Karen, God understands) and has me put the change away.
Thank you for freeing my guilt in this area.
I have been faithfully tithing for 25 years. Gods has been faithful to meet our needs (family of 6). I have always had a vision to be current on all bills while having a few thousand dollars in savings to manage unexpected family expenses or cash available for responding to unscheduled gifts to charity. This is still
my goal. I have never been able to achieve this. We have always maintained from 2-6 thousand dollars
of credit card debt due to family needs (clothes, home, auto, schooling) as they arise. (We live modestly and
have a modest 3 bedroom house). As of recent, I have been challenged in my beliefs in regards to tithing and of Gods heart toward my giving. I will never stop giving some percentage of finances to my local church but
am now seeking God as to a plan to become credit card debt free and establish this savings. Is it Gods
character in the New Testament convenant such to hold me to the 10% of gross income or does He apply grace
toward me to allow a smaller amount by seeing my heart to work hard, pay my bills to support my family
and cheerfully give to the local church and missions for the building of His kingdom. Sometimes, I reflect on
how my eartlhly father has operated with his childrem. My father is not rich, but has worked hard to enjoy
enough money to live in retirement. We do not take advantage of his finances but whenever one of us is in
a financial need, if we approach him, he has always been quick to help us. I certainly believe my papa God as
much more benevolent then my earthly father. So here is my dilema, do I follow my heart and reduce my tithe
for a season to get on other side of dept load or do I adhere to the legaly expected amount out of fear that
Gods blessing will be lost.
1st Peter 2:9 I believe is the scripure which says you are a chosen generation a royal prieshood. If all christians are priest then all of us have our own ministries. Is it a good Idea for your ministry to be in large amounts of credit card debt? Dont trust me the Freewillgiver pray to Jesus and check your Bible to see if we at this site are correct. By researching Christian tithing you will quickly find that it is not a Christian command to give 10% but it is a Christian tradition. Traditions can be good but if you believe that man made traditions are the laws of Jesus then you are mistaken. Check the Bible.
Credit card debts grow larger if you do not pay them off quickly. The intrest rates can change without notice. They can quickly end up controling most of your finances.
Jesus never told New testement Christians to give 10% to a local church. Jesus simply wants Christians to give where their ministry is. Please friend research the word of the New testement. Where can you find 10% money gifts for Christians. Every Christian is a minister so every Christian must run their ministries in a responcible manner. What you do with your money is part of your ministry.
If one fails to control large amounts of credit card debt the Credit card companies can change your intrest rates. This just happened to me recently. A Christian friend has given me a large amount of money to borrow to pay off half of my credit card debts.
Please contact us again when you have made a decision.
Good topic. I recently left a church that strictly promoted tithing. The pastor said that if you’re not tithing, God can not and will not bless you. He also said, “If you’re not tithing, you are greedy!” This church also promotes seed-faith doctrines, and is very heavy into the word-faith movement. After struggling for many years financially, and putting tithe payments on credit cards to get by, the Lord graciously delivered us from this “church.” Our eyes were opened to the truth when we found Dr. John Macarthur’s teaching on tithing and giving. I’d highly recommend his materials. We actually have breathing room financially for the first time ever. We give out of love, not man-made manipulation.
Blessings!
My heart aches for those who have blogged to express their fear in their efforts to separate themselves once and for all from the issue of tithing. One thing is necessary to finally bring a conclusion to all of the turmoil. “Study to show yourself approved unto God….rightly dividing the word
of truth”. 2Tim.2:15 Your answer is in the Word: (1)Jesus
himself declared in Luke 16:16
“The law and the prophets were (in effect) until John (Baptist
); since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it”. If we are in Christ and walk in the Spirit, we are liberated from the Law & the Prophets. (2) In the Acts of the Apostles ch 15, believing Pharisees attempted to trouble gentile converts about obeying certain aspects of the
Law. The Apostles and elders met in Jerusalem and agreed on this: “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you
keep yourselves, you shall do well”. Acts 15:28-29 WHERE WAS THE ADMONITION TO ATTEND TO TITHING? Also read vs 31. We should rejoice, as well! During
the aforementioned council Peter stood and said: “Now therefore why do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither OUR FATHERS NOR WE were able to bear?” Acts 15:10. (3)Read and re-read the epistle to the Galatians until you know it like the back of your hand. It is like the Christian’s declaration
of freedom from the law and the
curse of the law. Understand the
implications of what Paul is saying. This is powerful! I can
not stress this any stronger. Your very survival as a follower
of Christ is at stake. Paul actually argues that if we put ourselves under one aspect of the law & prophets, we make our
selves subject to the WHOLE law, and therefore subject to its CURSE! Gal 3:10-12. (4) Where are all of the demands, orders and encouragements to tithe within the gospels and epistles?
I guess Paul, John, Luke, Peter and the others just forgot to address the issue. Strange, huh?
The silence is deafening!
Read the Word, it’s your friend!
Make up your mind. Get off the fence. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”. James
1:8. Stop operating in fear. Fear is the opposite of faith.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of
bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto
you, that if you be circumcised,
Christ shall profit you NOTHING”. caps
mine. Gal 5:1-2
Hello
Word up I like your tone. This blogs site has been an addiction of mine for over a year and 1/2. To the message that The Evangelical Church should stop teaching mandatory tithes is a constant thought in my mind. I recently obtained a new job and in that new job I have already had many difficulties my almost got fired. I have been under great deal of pressure the last few weeks so I haven’t checked out the site. Praise the lord I started talking to someone at the job was a Christian the tithe subject came out of my mouth. I needed the more gentle but this message that Jesus doesn’t need money is so harsh to most people who believe that Don requires 10%.
I pray that god will give you all wisdom or wisdom than myself on how to gently and respectfully change hearts and minds. I get in the flesh and talk too much about this issue two people at the wrong times. Jesus please give me self-control.
Sometimes knowing the truth is not comforting because so many respected leaders who love expect payment. This is a tradition I pray we keep fighting with wisdom to spread the truth.
Christian giving in the new testament is voluntary. No strings attached. Be free will givers and tell others in the way God directs you.
Christ in Us.
I’m 21, and I have to write a paper on whether or not one should stop tithing to get out of debt or still remain to tithe. I may be seem a little young in this discussion, but since I have been able to work, I have always been a tither. It was when I was not faithful with my tithe that I began to acquire some debt. I would tell God, “oh I will just pay you back with my next check”, and then I would ask where did all of my money go to because it seemed like bills would pile up at once. I realized that after I became faithful to my tithes again, that I began to get out of debt, because God continued to make a way for me. Now that I am in school, I have no lack for anything, I have no real income coming in because of my class schedule, but I tithe my workstudy checks, and when it feels like I am at the end financially, he continues to supply my daily bread. Tithing is predicated upon your faith level, if you don’t believe that God can and will supply your daily bread, and you continue to stress about finances, why bother to tithe. There are many people in Africa that are Christians who tithe, and to this day they lack for nothing, because they believe God for their daily bread. I think American Christians have gotten so watered down in there belief and we’ve put our creator in a box. Jesus said render to caesar what is caesar, and unto God what is God. Don’t be fooled into getting things if you know that it is beyond your means financially, be a good steward over your finances. We live in the age of things, and we all want to keep up with the Jones’ instead of being happy with what we have.
Hallo all,
The various opinions (whether tithing or anti-tithing) that pour in from diverse quarters reveal one evident thing: and that is, that God in His sovereignty blesses His children on either side of this controversy. He is above all that we may think or argue.
That said, I’d like to appreciate Jasmine’s contributions – for me, they’re a huge and refreshing take especially because you echo the very real experiences of many Christians around the world that are often ignored.
– – – – – – – – – – –
@wordup:
Thanks also to ‘wordup’. While touching on some important issues, your take on the Law is not quite balanced. I’ll try and show why in the following series of replies to yours.
Let me start by quoting you (emphasis mine):
I’m sorry to observe that is sadly a false impression. This is because of the following points:
1. Tithing DOES NOT in any way determine any believer’s “survival” as a follower of Christ. You will NOT find anywhere in the entire Bible where any believer’s “survival” (whatever you meant by that) is taught as being determined on the subject of tithing. NOT ONE!
2. There’s NOT a single verse where Paul (or any other apostle) argued that a Christian’s “survival” was at stake on the issue of tithing. NOT ONE SINGLE VERSE! The verses you adduced to Paul had nothing to stake out on a Christian’s “survival” in reference to tithing.
3. We often miss this irrefutable truth: there is NOT ONE SINGLE VERSE where God’s Word EVER condemned tithing. Please search prayerfully and you will find NONE. There are several verses nullifying many things in the Mosaic Law, which you will find both in the OT and NT. Yet, is it not strange that NOWHERE in the entire Bible do we find God condemning tithing at ANY INSTANCE?
4. The issue of tithing was not given as a “salvivic” matter. That is, tithing does not save or condemn ANYBODY – not Abraham, not the Jews, and definitely not any Christian. So beloved, you can see why my heart aches when we go off the tangent and stretch this subject so far as to make it a matter of a Christian’s “survival” as a “follower of Christ”. That is a no-no.
5. More importantly, we should realize this simple FACT: many, many Christians who tithe today are not doing so in order to put themselves under the yoke of the Mosaic Law. Some may do so, but not every tithing Christian is putting themselves under the yoke of the Law. They are not trying to be “Jews” under the Levitical priesthood; yet, there are many testimonies of these Christians who tithe of their income and have always affirmed the blessings of God upon their lives in doing so. If we deny this simple fact, one wonders Why God doesn’t “curse” these believers just to prove the anti-tithers’ arguments?
I’m not trying to be cynical, and please forgive me if you read me so. However, I wonder why it is often difficult for anti-tithers to humbly acknowledge the testimonies of Christians who tithe and still record the faithfulness of God in their lives?
@wordup,
Here’s another important point I’d like to reference from your post. Let me put it out simply:
“ONE ASPECT” necessitates
“the WHOLE LAW”
The funny thing is that theologians who argue this way NEVER EVER abide by their own arguments. We shall see in just a moment; and here’s how it appears in your post (emphasis mine again, sorry):
Now I’m not sure that the apostle Paul said what you argued on his behalf – he DOES NOT say that if we put ourselves under one aspect of the law “& THE PROPHETS” we then become subject to any “curse” thereby. Scripture does not curse any believer for paying heed to “THE PROPHETS”. Let me show you with a few examples:
1. The Lord Jesus said:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, DO YE EVEN SO to them: for this is THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS” [Matt. 7:12]
Where is the “curse” there?
2. The apostke Paul said:
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets” [Rom. 3:21].
Where is the curse in that?
The Law “and the Prophets” give witness (not a “curse”) to the righteousness of God without the law. It is perhaps for this reason that we should never forget the point the apostle made in the same ch. 3 of Galatians that you’d quoted: “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid” (Gal. 3:21). The Law has never been against the promises of God – not a single time.
However, Paul in his theology and escatology DOES NOT treat the law the way many Christians handle it today. The cliché of “ONE ASPECT of the law” is somewhat a tired saying which completely misses the whole point. While it is true that Christians are not Jews under the Mosaic law of a Levitical priesthood, we cannot deny that Christianity still draws from MANY ASPECTS of the same Mosaic Law! This may come as a shock to you, but what does Paul mean in saying:
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: YEA, WE ESTABLISH THE LAW” (Rom. 3:31)? What does Paul mean by that statement – to “establish” the Law?
Don’t get me wrong – he does not try to yoke Christians under the law (or he would be a “transgressor”, as he elsewhere argues – Gal. 2:18). But he effectively lays the fact to our faces in many NT passages that there are MANY ASPECTS of our Christian lives that derive directly from the Law.
Are you surprised about that? I’ll show you some in my nect post. :)
Now, I said earlier that Paul effectively lays the fact to our faces in many NT passages that there are “MANY ASPECTS” of our Christian lives that derive directly from the Law. I now want to show you a few familiar references:
(a) Marriage in Christianity is according to the principle of that same Law – see Rom. 7:1-3 and 1 Cor. 7:39. In effect, both passages argue that:
– “the woman which hath an husband is ‘BOUND BY THE LAW’ to her husband so long as he liveth”
– “the wife is BOUND BY THE LAW as long as her husband liveth”
The question is simple: “bound by the Law” – what “Law”??
(b) In Christianity, ‘love‘ for God and for one’s neighbour are remarkably referenced MANY TIMES according to the same Law – please see:
Matt. 22:36-40
Luke 10:26-28
Rom. 13:8-10
Gal. 5:14
Jam. 2:8-9.
What then is my point? Simple: you cannot argue what you so confidently asserted earlier, that:
“if we put ourselves under
ONE ASPECT of the law
& PROPHETS, we make our
selves subject to the
WHOLE law,
and therefore
subject to its CURSE!”
Well, do we take the time to realize that “LOVE” and Christian “marriages” are TWO ASPECTS of the same Law? Does scripture not teach in the NT that “love is the FULFILLING OF THE LAW” (Rom. 13:10)??
Since these are “aspects” of the Law, where is the “curse” upon a Christian whose life gives evidence to them? WHY do Christians who argue as in your post never once question the fact that a Christian wife is “bound by the Law” according to the “ONE ASPECT” formula you had asserted? If they are “BOUND” by the Law (‘one aspect’), are they then “subject” to a “curse” as you had asserted? If not, what do we then make of your own argument?
Some anti-tithing theologians are known for using the “ONE ASPECT of the law” and “subject to the WHOLE law” cliché/formula. But then they will quickly try (unsuccessfully) to cover up the gaps with even weaker excuses when they say that they can “bring over” SOME parts of the Law into the new covenant! Lol, that is simply cheating, not to mention a serious sleight-of-hand! Please remember that their assertion is “ONE ASPECT” means “the WHOLE”; so if they can “bring over SOME“, are they not defeating the very arguments they hold?
Here’s what I’m persuaded to offer: Let God prove His power to those Christians who choose of their own accord to tithe today! He has done so many times to many Christians around the world – and He did not have to wait for anybody’s clever arguments on either side of the controversy before responding to the faith of tithing Christians who trusted in His faithfulness.
God did not make tithing at any time to be a “yoke upon the neck” of any believer, whether OT or NT. Our arguments have turned it into more than a yoke; otherwise, we need to ask ourselves whether the Son of God was trying to place a yoke on anyone when He affirmed tithing ON THE SAME LEVEL with judgement, mercy and faith! In Matt. 23:23, He effectively said: “These you should practice, without neglecting the others” – in simple English: “DO BOTH”.
The cliché of “ONE ASPECT of the Law” against tithes is weak and does not hold any substance. If it does, then we would all be under a “curse” for embracing the “weightier matters of the Law” such as:
– justice (or ‘judgement’)
– mercy
– faith
– love
– Christian marriages
– etc.
Those are all “aspects” of the same law; and when they are evident in our Christian lives, we are not subject to any “curse”. It is for this reason that it is quite unhealthy for Christians to be stretching their arguments against tithing so far as to assert that “your very survival as a follower of Christ is at stake”. No, tithing does not give any grounds for such an assumption. If Christians are led by the Spirit to tithe of their income, let them do so – and let God be God in their lives. He has responded to their faith, and He still does so today – nobody can deny that, nor should we do so here.
Many blessings.
All I know is the experiences I’ve had or learned in other peoples lives.
My brother prospers because of his generosity. The more he gives, the more he receives.
But there was a time when faced with the Biblical Truth of Tithing, he was not convinced at first, so he didn’t give 10% to the church but rather he gave more than 10% to many “deserving” organization.
But did not reap much. Till the day he scaled back his giving and gave 10% to the church. (I believe he still to some but fewer organization).
It was then that he was blessed.
Through sacrificial giving and obedience.
Really?! The more he gives, the more he receives? Great, let’s just turn God into some sort of slot machine. all we have to do is put in some quarters, and pull the lever. We’ll be instant winners!
Oh c’mon, tithe buddy! :)
You know yours was just tongue-in-cheek, and that does not help matters at all. Many anti-tithers who resort to that kind of quip sound desperate in their effort to reject just about anything that does not square with their linear ideology.
I don’t think that anyone is hinting that God is to be made out into a slot machine of sorts. The point is that He gave us believers the fact that the more one gives, the more he/she receives. There are many, many verses attesting to the fact. Try some? Just a few below:
(1). Luke 6:38
(2). Prov. 3:9-10
(3). 2 Cor. 9:6
However, there needs to be a balance. It is true that our giving should not be a ‘formula’ to satisfy the quest for materialism. And in all honesty, such a quest for materialism was not what Denis was trying to highlight.
Yet, it cannot be denied that there’s an equal truth in the statement: “the more he gives, the more he receives”. As Christians, we should not be so negative in our outlook as to miss the fact of what those verses cited are exemplifying. In this regard, I can trust that what Denis shared with us is to be respected and appreciated.
What really bugs me Gwaine is that you can respect and appreciate anything that opposes me regardless of the truth in my very own statements.
My apologies, tithe.
Of course I recognise some things in yours that are to be appreciated; maybe I failed to categorically say so. However, if you look carefully, I tried to look at the issue from both sides – which was why my statement about a ‘balance’. God is NOT a slot machine; and if that was essentially your point, then I also noted that same point by stating: “It is true that our giving should not be a ‘formula’ to satisfy the quest for materialism.” I don’t see how that opposes you or anything true that you’ve stated.
Maybe the one thing you might’ve objected to is my asking that we respect other people’s views without necessarily making jest of their testimonies. When we joke like that, we tend to lose sight of the fact that many times those people are attesting the truth we fail to see in Scripture.
Again, tithe, my apologies. We can see things amicably. It was good that you pointed out what you’re not happy about in my comments; and I’ve taken it on board.
Regards.
Don’t Stop tithing.
Jesus scolded his disciples when He was on earth with them for their unbelieve. That is the only problem we have today. Don’t let anyone challenge your giving. I give 10% away no matter what and then I manage the 90% that is remaining well. I live within my means. And the Lord is blessing me with new ideas everyday.
_ In the parable of the talents, it is said, they were giving 5, 2, and 1 talents according to their abilities. What is your responsibility? To increase your ability. I learn to trade forex. That is increasing my ability. What have you done today to increase your ability? If you increase your ability, you will receive more to manage. You will never receive more, if you cannot manage the little that you are giving.
If you are in debt, ask the Lord to help you. I got into debt by making wrong buying and spending decisions. Acknowledge your mistake, pay your tithe to the Lord and not to the church. When you give and think you are giving to the church, you are making a mistake. Work in increasing your ability in what ever you chose to do and God will bless the work of your hands. Do not lean on your understanding but trust in God.
Don’t spend on any books. If you want to get out of debt and you are serious, I have got a free 4 step procedure to help you. Give your 10%, ask the Lord to help you manage the remaining 90% and you will see what the Lord mean, when He said in Malachi 3:10-11.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
Now, in my opinion, forget about the preachers. But like the disciples of old, do you really believe the word of the Lord or are you living in unbelieve. Jesus as I said, scolded his disciples here on earth several times for their unbelieve.
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Listen for His directives and you will do just fine.
Don’t ever stop paying your tithes. It is financial suicide. Trust in the Lord.
This simple 4 step process, will help you get out of debt and lead you to start building wealth. You can read the process in less than 1 hour. Ask your heavenly Father to help you become disciplined to implement the four steps and you will be surprised, how fast He will help you to get completely out of debt without stopping with payment of your tithe.
Here is the ebook, yours free.
This E-Book will present simple techniques that enable the average person to methodically eliminate all debts and accumulate incredible wealth. It will guide you through four easy steps that will propel you on the road to financial independence.
Step 1:Determine where you are financially
Step 2:Discover hidden power money
Step 3:Eliminate all your debt
Step 4:Start Building Wealth
Hi Carrol,
Is it possiple for you to share with us when and why you decided to start tithing.
Are you attending any particular church at the moment?
Have you studied the tithing law in the book of Leviticus,Numbers, Deutronomy and others?
Getting into debt is a lazy and foolish way to live and survive (man who built his house on sand) compared to living within your means and living on what you earn is a more gracious task as there is sacrifice and hardship involved and the reward is better peace of mind due to no debt.
I have studied the bible for myself rather than listen solely to other’s opinions. A common mistake I see is that people base their doctrinal beliefs on only one scriptural passage. In the case of tithing that most popular passage is Malachi 3. I have read all the scriptures about giving from Genesis to Revelation. So I know that what I believe is grounded in bible study and prayer. I am currently working my way out of debt and choose not to tithe, although I have given to others on many occasions when I felt led by the Spirit. We have paid off around 1/2 of our debt so far (around $70,000). I respect that others believe that they have been blessed financially while tithing, but I believe that their blessings are as a result of giving in general rather than the fact that they gave the “magic 10%”. The thing is, financial blessings are not the experience of everyone who tithes. When I used to tithe, I did not always receive financial blessings. In fact there were plenty of times when I was worse off. God sometimes calls us to give sacrificially. Sometimes he doesn’t. There were a lot of rich godly people in the bible. Abraham was rich and he gave 10% of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, but no where do we read that he gave regularly. Jacob, his grandson, promised to give God a tenth, based on God’s follow through of provision which he requested in prayer. But this was voluntary and not a mandate. The tithe was set up in Moses time because the Israelites lived in a theocratic society, and the priests were devoted to a particular kind of service to God. They would not be able to spend a large amount of time making a living the way others did. Also, the tithe was used to help widows, the fatherless, and the poor. How much of what is given to churches today is given to those in need? These days we expect our taxes and the government to take care of them. When Jesus was talking to the pharisee about his tithing in Matthew his intent was to help the man have balance in his spiritual life. He was focusing so much on the amount he gave that he lacked in other areas of his life. Unfortunately, there will be plenty of people who tithe the “magic 10%” who won’t go to heaven simply because they forget to know Jesus who saved them. I believe very much in giving, but I believe that Christians should be led by the Spirit in thier giving. Sometimes God may call you to give a lot less, sometimes a lot more than the “magic 10 %”, but always be prepared to follow his leading. And to do that, we must spend time getting to KNOW HIM.
non-tither, I agree with you completely. I was raised in a S. Baptist church and tithing was taught alot. So when I was old enough to give on my own and understand what tithing was all about I tithed. I thought, the Pastor must be right, he is so seasoned and knows this stuff. Over the years, something in myspirit bothered me about tithing. So I studied the scritptures like you and found the same thing. I have stopped tithing and started giving as the LORD leads and have been at greater peace. I have talked to several Pastors about this issue and all stand on tithing no matter what, and all refer back to Abraham and say it is not under law, it was before law. But Abraham gave a 1 time gift. The Church has used this to make people get on board this tithing machine and make them feel guilty. I have asked GOD, GOD why don’t you show your pastors the truth about tithing so people will be set free and out of this lie. The LORD will show them in time, HE will. But to the pastors credit. They have all been taught this by other older pastors or in siminary school and I think most of them really believe tithing is supposed to happen. But it is not true, GOD has released me from that lie that Satan is so happy about. But, the Pastors will have it revealed to them in time, then alot of folks will be set free. Just give out of your heart, when and how GOD leads and you will be free inside.
I have always believed in tithing and when I tithe I do see a difference and it is not always a financial blessing. My husband lost his job in 2011 and I lost mine in 2012 and I still felt I needed to give something to God even if it could not be the 10%. Even with both of us out of work, we were still able to pay our bills and get some groceries weekly and put gas in our vehicles. After awhile we both found jobs and were able to get our own apartment. It was not easy and it was hard for me to tithe in those moments; I was always thinking, this tithe money can go towards a bill or food or gas, but I prayed every time and felt that it was the right thing to do. I understand what everyone on this blog is saying and I agree with everyone to a point. But I have seen what a difference it is for me and my family when we do tithe compared when we do not tithe. Where I have the problem with tithing, is when people tell me I have to give my tithe to the church because we have to give our tithe to God. I have been reading the scriptures on tithing and I have not read any passages that say we have to give the tithe to the church. I believe if I give my tithe to someone in need or to a organization doing God’s work and so on that God will still bless me and my family. I have asked other’s on this and they feel the same way and others are like “No, you have to give to the church.” I do not agree with this and neither does my husband. He actually told me if I kept tithing to the church, he would not let me tithe his paycheck anymore. I explained to me that he feels that the tithes going to the church are not used the way it is suppose to. For years I have struggled with the question of why does my tithe only go to the church and not somewhere else? I have been praying about it and I have felt the Lord tell me that it is okay to give my tithe to someone else if it is helping those people. So in conclusion, I feel people are still blessed when tithing (but does not necessarily mean financially) and we do not have to give our tithe to the church, the tithe can go to others in need.