To Tithe or Not To Tithe?

In one of the Google Ads in the sidebar of this blog, I noticed one in particular that got my attention. It said Tithing is Un-Scriptural.

Oh really? I said to myself. But I decided to read what L. Ray Smith had to say. And you know what? He's right!

I searched the Scriptures myself. There is nothing in the New Testament that says we are required to tithe. Instead we are encouraged give freely, and gladly. God doesn't want 10% of your paycheck. He wants 100% of your heart.

Consider these verses:

A year ago you were the first ones to give, and you gave because you wanted to. So listen to my advice. I think you should finish what you started. If you give according to what you have, you will prove that you are as eager to give as you were to think about giving. It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have. I am not trying to make life easier for others by making life harder for you. But it is only fair for you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share, just as the Scriptures say, "Those who gathered too much had nothing left. Those who gathered only a little had all they needed." [2 Cor 8:10-15]

Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. [2 Cor 9:7, 8]

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. [Romans 12:1, the Message]

Mr. Smith outlines these facts regarding Scriptural teaching of tithing:

• only landowners tithed
• only [agricultural] products of the land were tithed
• only Levites could receive the tithes
• tithing was a Law of Moses
• Christians are not under the Law of Moses

Mr. Smith has a problem with televangelists and others who are coercing people to send in money and telling them they will be cursed if they don't give up 10% of their paychecks. And so do I. It's simply not true.

Jesus said, "You will always have the poor..." (Matthew 26:11); so by all means, give to those organizations that help those less fortunate than you if you are blessed to be able and willing to do so.

Over the years, giving has increasingly become an important part of my spirtual life. We've reached a level of security where we are now giving about 10% of our income to support various ministries. A tenth of my wife's paychecks typically go to our own church. A tenth of my own paychecks are split mainly between two ministries - K-LOVE Radio and United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM). My UMOM contribution is automatically deducted by my employer (who in turn matches my contribution dollar for dollar!).

It has been a leap of faith to increase our giving, but as we continue to do so, I feel God's blessing upon us.

In my mind and heart, I can hear the words of Jesus when he was asked about paying taxes: Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's. [Matthew 22:21]

There's no need to buy your way into Heaven. You are redeemed by the Blood of Christ. Show your gratitude as you see fit, and may you be blessed further.