What Is Tithing

People who have been Christians for many years have a tendency to use words that are familiar to them but forget that these words may not be familiar to new Christians.  One such word is tithing.

If you have been in the church very long, you will have heard tithing mentioned when the offering is received, so one can figure that tithing has something to do with money, but what is tithing?  If I put $5.00 in the offering plate each Sunday have I tithed?

The answer is maybe.  Let’s look and see what tithing is really about.

History of Tithing

Though tithing may be new to young Christians, tithing has been around for centuries.  The first recorded tithe is found in Genesis 14:20 when Abraham offers his tithe to the priest Melchizedek.  We also find Jacob pledging his tithe to God’s house in Genesis 28:22.

By the time of the Exodus from Egypt, tithing becomes a part of the legal system for God’s people.  In Leviticus 27:30 the Jews are instructed that the tithe belongs to the Lord and is Holy.

In the New Testament Jesus gives support to tithing.  In Matthew 23:22 we read, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin.  But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.  You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

With the founding of the Christian church following the death and resurrection of Jesus, tithing becomes the norm of the church.  Paul instructs the people concerning tithing in 1 Corinthians 16:2. We also find many references to tithing in the writings of the church fathers during the first centuries of the church.

Tithing Explained

From what we have seen, tithing has been a tradition among God’s people since the earliest of times.  But what is the tithe?

Tithe is a word that means 10%.  Tithing is the Biblical concept that 10% of the increase of our wealth belongs to God.  In Leviticus 27:30 this is described as the increase of one’s flock or herd.

For us this means 10% of our income.  This may be from a paycheck, or it may be from things we sell. In simple terms, if I bring home a paycheck of $100.00 than $10.00 belongs to God.

Tithing then means that 10% of my income belongs to God and is to be made available for his use.

Ownership & Stewardship

We may at first be taken back by the idea that we are expected to make 10% available for God’s use.  However, we discover that God could actually expect more.  In Psalm 50:10 we are reminded that everything belongs to God.  We are not owners, we are stewards.  We have been entrusted to take care of what belongs to God.  God is very generous when he allows us to have the use of 90% and only asks us to return to him 10%.

Where Does the Tithe Belong

The Bible is clear that the minimum God expects from us is 10%.  The Bible is also clear as to where this tithe belongs.  In Numbers 18: 22-32 and in Malachi 3:10 we find that the place for the tithe is in God’s house.  Sometimes we mistakenly think that we can decide to send our tithe where we choose.  God’s word, however, does not give us this option.  The tithe belongs in God’s house, or the church.

Our giving to the poor and to help others is commendable, but this is not tithing.  It is only tithing when 10% of our income is brought into God’s house.

Does it matter which church?  The answer is yes.  Do you pay for the meals you eat at the restaurant that served you the meal or do you get to pick which restaurant gets your money?  The same applies to tithing.  The church where you attend is the place you are being fed spiritually.  It is the storehouse your tithe belongs in.  Some say, “but another church needs it more.”  That may be the case, but you might also be surprised to discover that your local church needs it more than you think.

Reason for Tithing

You may be thinking but why should I tithe?  Why does the church need 10% of my income?

Tithing is the system by which the work of the church is financed.  In Mark 16:15 “HE (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’”  That is a huge undertaking, with a big financial need.  But God had a system in place already to provide for that need.

Through the faithful tithing of members, the church is able to build buildings, pay for utilities, hire a minister, fund ministries, help the poor, spread the Gospel, and so much more.  There would be no end to what the church could accomplish if all Christians would tithe.

I Can’t Afford It

The most common excuse people give for not tithing is that they cannot afford to tithe.  For some this is just an excuse.  They can afford nice cars, houses, boats, large screen TV’s, expensive jewelry, but they cannot afford to return to God 10% of what they have received from him.  For these “I can’t afford it” is an excuse that should put them to shame.

On the other hand, there are those who cannot afford it when you take a look at it on paper.  These are the ones that more than ever need to consider tithing.

You may say, “but if I cannot afford my bills now, how can I if I give 10% away?”  The answer is simple, by God’s math.

Somehow, God is able to take 90% of our income and make it go farther than the 100% did.  This may not make sense, but faithful tithers have seen this proven true time after time.

In Malachi 3:10 God says put him to the test.  You are not sticking your neck out when you tithe, you are sticking God’s neck out.  In Matthew 61:33 Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When we obediently tithe into God’s house to build His kingdom, He has promised to supply all we need, so put him to the test.  Do you trust Him?

Cheerful Giver

What often stands in our way from tithing is selfishness.  The last part of our life that we often surrender to God’s control is our checkbook.  We want to decide how much and where it goes.

But God wants to be God of our checkbook.  He has decided already the minimum of 10%.  He has already decided the place, God’s storehouse, the church.  It is now up to us to decide if we will surrender our will to him.

In Malachi 3:8 we are reminded that withholding our tithe is robbing God, and it is sin.  After all He has done for us in bringing our salvation, can we even consider such a thing?

Perhaps we should pray, “Father, help us to give with joyful hearts, not grudgingly, but cheerfully as we see your kingdom advancing through us.

If you have questions, would like more information, or desire prayer and help in beginning to be faithful in your tithe please speak with your Pastor.