*I want to note before I begin this post, that I recognize that tithing can be a delicate issue. I’m not here to start a debate nor am I looking for anyone to try to convince me that tithing isn’t for today. I’ve seen the blessing of tithing in our lives far too many times to be convinced to change my mind. Along those same lines, I absolutely LOVE to give not only to God’s work and to those in need.
God is by nature a giver, isn’t he? He has given to us freely since time began. He has given us life. Without him, we won’t even be here. He gives us breath each day and he sent his Son to die for our sin.
John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Because the Bible says that we are made in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27) and God’s very nature is giving, I believe we, who are followers of Christ, are called to be givers as well.
First, I’d like to look at the definition of the tithe. (Taken from Dictionary.com)
Tithe
Sometimes, tithes. the tenth part of agricultural produce or personal income set apart as an offering to God or for works of mercy, or the same amount regarded as an obligation or tax for the support of the church, priesthood, or the
I grew up in a Christian home and began tithing at a young age. I didn’t really question it as a child because I just really liked giving my little nickel or dime. As a teenager, I did question tithing, but I continued to tithe anyway. I had all kinds of things I wanted to buy. Come on, why should I give my money to the church? Yet, I loved Jesus so I kept on giving my tithe.
During Bible College, however, I stopped tithing for a time because my finances were so tight.
Interestingly, enough, I also experienced the worst financial difficulties of my life. Maybe that was related to not tithing. Maybe not.
Here are 5 of the Reasons that we Tithe
#1: We want to be a part of what God is doing.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (NLT) Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.
#2: We believe that all we have belongs to God already.
We are so blessed that we want to be able to give back to God.
1 Chronicles 29:12, 14 (NLT) Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion, people are made great and given strength. But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!
#3: We’ve seen tithing work!
My husband and I have consistently put tithing at the top of our budget. We don’t think about doing anything else, nor do we even talk about cutting that number. There have been times that to tithe didn’t make mathematical sense, but God has always made a way!
Mr. Billy Graham has said:
“We have found in our own home, as have thousands of others, that God’s blessing upon the nine-tenths, when we tithe, helps it to go farther than ten-tenths without His blessing.”
This is exactly what we have seen happen in our home time and time again.
#4: We want to be good stewards of what God has given us.
“Wise people know that all their money belongs to God.” – John Piper
Because God has blessed us so richly, we want to give back to him. We don’t want to spend all our money on things. We want to spend our money on what God would have us spend it on. We want to further his kingdom. We want to see his work done in the world around us.
#5: We want to lay up treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
In Conclusion
Our giving shouldn’t be limited to money.
Serving in the church, serving our families, our neighbors, and our friends are all forms of giving. To make someone a pie or a meal is giving. Giving away your children’s clothing to a needy family is also giving.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could afford to tithe, I want to tell you that it’s worked for us. It has, at times, taken a real surrender of my heart, but I’m always glad when I let it go.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.
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