Tithing

[GreenMunchkin]

I start too many threads, am sorry. Am sorry. But I really wanted to ask for your thoughts on tithing. I tithe "religiously" (forgive the terrible pun... couldn't think of an alternative, and now I have bad, burny shame feeling) and I suppose sometimes I feel a little resentful, almost, and that's the wrong attitude to have, and the wrong way to see it.

But so am wondering what your thoughts are? For example, would God prefer we not tithe than tithe with resentment? Or is tithing paramount?

Also, do you see tithing as an example of faith, almost? It's a way of saying to God, "Ok, am really finding it hard to give this money away right now, but I trust you to provide" maybe?

Also also, do you think it matters who we tithe with? Too many questions But I'd be really grateful for thoughts Fankoo!

 

[desmalia]

Oh, you don't need to apologize! You start great threads! That's what forums are for, after all, right?

God definitely cares about the state of the heart. So giving resentfully certainly isn't honouring Him. Now, I don't think this is a reason not to give. But it is a serious issue to be addressed. God can of course still use your tithe for great things, but you actually forfeit the blessings of giving if you do it with a wrong heart. It hurts you in the end.

Tithing is giving back what God has given us. It's saying "I know this money is only in my hands because You put it there. And you put it there so that I may glorify You". I think there are times when all of us feel they way you do. So I think it's a great question for each of us to consider. We all need to work through why we give so that we really do glorify Him with it.

And yes I do think it's important to consider where we tithe. I believe that we should primarily be giving to the church that we belong to, first and foremost. At times when we've not belonged to a specific church we have given to larger ministries, such as Grace to You. Currently we are being primarily nourished by our Bible study pastor (his church is in another city). So we find ways to support him in his ministry. There are serious issues with our church, and we don't know if we'll be staying or starting a new one right now. But we still give tithes there and trust God to use them for His purpose.

On a more personal note, my husband has the spiritual gift of giving. It's been wonderful to find so much more joy in giving, even when we know it's going to make things tough for us for a little while. I've never regretted it once, but I admit there are times when I have to work through some negative feelings about it when he first makes the suggestion.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Oh, you don't need to apologize! You start great threads! That's what forums are for, after all, right?

God definitely cares about the state of the heart. So giving resentfully certainly isn't honouring Him. Now, I don't think this is a reason not to give. But it is a serious issue to be addressed. God can of course still use your tithe for great things, but you actually forfeit the blessings of giving if you do it with a wrong heart. It hurts you in the end.

Tithing is giving back what God has given us. It's saying "I know this money is only in my hands because You put it there. And you put it there so that I may glorify You". I think there are times when all of us feel they way you do. So I think it's a great question for each of us to consider. We all need to work through why we give so that we really do glorify Him with it.

And yes I do think it's important to consider where we tithe. I believe that we should primarily be giving to the church that we belong to, first and foremost. At times when we've not belonged to a specific church we have given to larger ministries, such as Grace to You. Currently we are being primarily nourished by our Bible study pastor (his church is in another city). So we find ways to support him in his ministry. There are serious issues with our church, and we don't know if we'll be staying or starting a new one right now. But we still give tithes there and trust God to use them for His purpose.

On a more personal note, my husband has the spiritual gift of giving. It's been wonderful to find so much more joy in giving, even when we know it's going to make things tough for us for a little while. I've never regretted it once, but I admit there are times when I have to work through some negative feelings about it when he first makes the suggestion.

Yeppers, you've sort of confirmed what I was thinking. I don't mean to imply am resentful of the actual giving - but am resentful that it means I won't be able to sort out the clutch on my car, for example, or that I'll be worried this month... that sort of thing. But it's true, glorifying Him is so much more important than the car - which belongs to Him, anyway. I'd forgotten that, for some reason. Everything we have has been given to us by Him. Tut, what sort of person forgets that?!

Thank you, Desi!

 

[MrJim]

Tithing is biblical but not Christian~~our giving isn't dependent upon meeting a 10% requirement but giving as we are able (and hopefully the 10% is just a starting point)...it seems like there was a big thread on this over in the baptist forum a month or three ago.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Tithing is biblical but not Christian~~our giving isn't dependent upon meeting a 10% requirement but giving as we are able (and hopefully the 10% is just a starting point)...it seems like there was a big thread on this over in the baptist forum a month or three ago.

Ooh! I boldied a part that has me mucho intrigued. Can to explain a little more, please, Jimminy?

Also, I wanted to ask that, too, actually: is the 10% scriptural? Like, does it specify that it should be 10%?

 

[MrJim]

Ooh! I boldied a part that has me mucho intrigued. Can to explain a little more, please, Jimminy?

Also, I wanted to ask that, too, actually: is the 10% scriptural? Like, does it specify that it should be 10%?

It's biblical in that the tithe is in the bible though an Old Testament teaching. Tithe means "tenth" and there are numerous passages in the OT regarding tithing~Jesus challenged the Pharisees in that they religiously performed their tithing duties but left the "weightier matters of the Law" undone.

But as a NT teaching it ain't there. Scour the Gospels & Epistles and you'll be disappointed. Our giving is for care of the widows and poor and to support the spread of the gospel~~doubt it's really for big-time salaries for clergy so they can have "curb appeal" in their new Volvos or for new chandeliers for the church foyer

Giving should and needs to be sacrificial~remember who gave the most in the "widow's mite" passage in the Gospel~and sometimes the "tithe isn't for today" folks end up being those looking to justify not giving at all to God's work.

 

[RedTulipMom]

Some that say tithing isnt NT are trying to find ways NOT to give..but the reality is..the NT says 100% is God's and we are to give cheerfully. So..NO..we aren't under the tithing laws in the NT..we are to GIVE and GIVE and GIVE ...so double your tithe and then give to other ministries and its a good START...

 

[Criada]

Also, Jesus says :

Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

This implies that Jesus expected us to carry on tithing...
It shouldn't be legalistic, though.
And, in the OT, when the people brought the tithe, they actually brought the produce, and they ate it along with the priests... so maybe we should use our tithe to throw a party!!

Deuteronomy 14:22-24
22Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

23And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

 

[MrJim]

Some that say tithing isnt NT are trying to find ways NOT to give..but the reality is..the NT says 100% is God's and we are to give cheerfully. So..NO..we aren't under the tithing laws in the NT..we are to GIVE and GIVE and GIVE ...so double your tithe and then give to other ministries and its a good START...

 

[Nadiine]

Some that say tithing isnt NT are trying to find ways NOT to give..but the reality is..the NT says 100% is God's and we are to give cheerfully. So..NO..we aren't under the tithing laws in the NT..we are to GIVE and GIVE and GIVE ...so double your tithe and then give to other ministries and its a good START...

I believe some or many of the people I hear ranting against tithing are the ones who like you mention, are trying to appease their consciences on the fact that they give little to nothing to further God's kingdom on this earth.

It costs $$ to operate churches, pay salaries, pay for travel or supplies needed for outreach programs, pay for missionaries being sponsored, or a place to meet together, etc.

While I"m thankful if these folks do give to some charities, it isn't the same as furthering God's kingdom on earth thru evangelism and Christian outreach. (so people know it's Christians lending that loving hand).

Sure it's great to hand thrift stores a couple pairs of shoes & a table lamp, but how is that getting God's message out PERSONALLY to anyone?
At least church, radio or (sparse) tv ministries are spreading that gospel out - many share the gospel while they give those donations from Christians.
People don't get the personal message of Christ or know anything is from Christians when they get them from secular charities.

I'll let God sort it all out, I'm not by any means judging anyone or what they give; I don't know what they give or to whom, I"m making general statements.

But I do believe that some or alot make excuses so they don't have to give to God at all. God knows our hearts and our finances, He'll make the judgments.

 

[Nadiine]

It's biblical in that the tithe is in the bible though an Old Testament teaching. Tithe means "tenth" and there are numerous passages in the OT regarding tithing~Jesus challenged the Pharisees in that they religiously performed their tithing duties but left the "weightier matters of the Law" undone.

But as a NT teaching it ain't there. Scour the Gospels & Epistles and you'll be disappointed. Our giving is for care of the widows and poor and to support the spread of the gospel~~doubt it's really for big-time salaries for clergy so they can have "curb appeal" in their new Volvos or for new chandeliers for the church foyer

Giving should and needs to be sacrificial~remember who gave the most in the "widow's mite" passage in the Gospel~and sometimes the "tithe isn't for today" folks end up being those looking to justify not giving at all to God's work.

Well this isn't entirely or necessarily the case imho.

Paul spoke of income going to the Shepherd of the church - that he should be able to eat from his labor to the flock. It just so happens that home ministries grow and are blessed, and they end up having too many people to fit into small homes anymore and so they have to move up to get bigger places to fit them all.
That's a blessing - growing the church.

(abuse of offerings which your post might be pointing at, is another issue and I'd agree with that becuz we had to leave our church last year becuz of the Pastor doing just that for personal gain for himself and his friends/family. We couldn't trust him with our $).

But I totally agree that our giving should be sacrificial - and with the widow's mite example. She gave More than a tithe even tho she gave less than all the others. And Jesus was pleased with that. He didn't tell her to take her $$ back that she needed it for groceries instead.

I view it as investing in the eternal kingdom of God - it's an honor, a blessing and I believe God will reward us for it. All the stuff we spend the $$ on down here isn't worth anything above.

great post =)

 

[GQ Chris]

I believe some or many of the people I hear ranting against tithing are the ones who like you mention, are trying to appease their consciences on the fact that they give little to nothing to further God's kingdom on this earth.

It costs $$ to operate churches, pay salaries, pay for travel or supplies needed for outreach programs, pay for missionaries being sponsored, or a place to meet together, etc.

While I"m thankful if these folks do give to some charities, it isn't the same as furthering God's kingdom on earth thru evangelism and Christian outreach. (so people know it's Christians lending that loving hand).

Sure it's great to hand thrift stores a couple pairs of shoes & a table lamp, but how is that getting God's message out PERSONALLY to anyone?
At least church, radio or (sparse) tv ministries are spreading that gospel out - many share the gospel while they give those donations from Christians.
People don't get the personal message of Christ or know anything is from Christians when they get them from secular charities.

I'll let God sort it all out, I'm not by any means judging anyone or what they give; I don't know what they give or to whom, I"m making general statements.

But I do believe that some or alot make excuses so they don't have to give to God at all. God knows our hearts and our finances, He'll make the judgments.

I agree, too many people complain about the ten percent tithe, when in actuality in the New Testament, it should be far more than 10 percent, I was reading the statistical norm according to an article was like 3-5 percent. God rewards the cheerful giver.

 

[Nadiine]

I agree, too many people complain about the ten percent tithe, when in actuality in the New Testament, it should be far more than 10 percent, I was reading the statistical norm according to an article was like 3-5 percent. God rewards the cheerful giver.

Ya, our Pastor gave stats on the % that tithe and it was super low.

What' saddest to me was that Mormons far outgive Christians - I think that's telling about priorities.
What is going on? I'm not one to blame God's family, Satan is our accuser, but I do see some issues where we need to wake up & get active & in obedience to His commands.

Wonder if this is apathy at the core?

 

[GQ Chris]

I am one of the Ushers at my church, I see exactly how much people give, and it amazes me how the Mortgage gets paid.

 

[GQ Chris]

I used to be one of those people who Held on tightly to every cent I had, back when I didn't really acknowledge that everything I have comes from God.

 

[e. barrett]

I think, like so many things, Jesus came in and "raised the bar". Just like adultery is no longer simply having an affair but instead looking lustfully at someone, he changed the meaning on tithing.

Tithing is no longer just 10%, but giving sacrificially, whatever that may look like to someone. For some people giving 3-4% may be all they have. But for most of us, that's not living sacrificially.

I think this is why the NT emphasizes a "cheerful giver." God doesn't want us to legalistically tithe, he wants us to give because it changes our hearts and our minds.

 

[Nadiine]

I am one of the Ushers at my church, I see exactly how much people give, and it amazes me how the Mortgage gets paid.

When I hear the amounts, I wonder too. Imagine how much could be done if we all gave.

I think, like so many things, Jesus came in and "raised the bar". Just like adultery is no longer simply having an affair but instead looking lustfully at someone, he changed the meaning on tithing.

Tithing is no longer just 10%, but giving sacrificially, whatever that may look like to someone. For some people giving 3-4% may be all they have. But for most of us, that's not living sacrificially.

I think this is why the NT emphasizes a "cheerful giver." God doesn't want us to legalistically tithe, he wants us to give because it changes our hearts and our minds.

Amen.
Jesus raised the bar, removing tithe doesn't lower it, it only gives it significance in our giving.
great post

 

[CalaLily]

Tithing means giving 10% of your gross income back to God, from the other 90% you can give to charity. And gross means, before taxes, and before anyone else get's paid, you owe 10% to God. It doesn't belong to you so pay it. It is given to you in trust and youget to decide WHERE it goes. But you do not get to decide IF it goes. Like I said before, The Tithe is God's money.

Now as all things in life you do have a choice. You can chose not to pay God His portion, There are, however, consequences for this action. God will take His portion anyway. Remember the money is not yours to keep. Consequences: You may get fewer bargains when shopping. You may have to pay full price for everything. You may experience loss in one form or another. You may be the one pulled over for a ticket even thought everyone else on the road is speeding. You may have your house broken into and robbed. You may get sick on vacation. Your tire could blow out at 60 mph and you would have to buy new tires...and they are expensive. Now if you pay God His portion....you find bargains, you pay less for things you do buy. The thief who was casing your house is frightned away. A tow truck pulls in front of you, slowing you down and foiling the radar cop you never saw. You may do your checkbook at the end of the month and find an extra two or three hundred dollars. When you tithe, your money goes farther and success seeks you out. Tithing also protects you financially, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I see TITHING as ONE POWER....positive or negative, you chose

Positive = abundance, joy, success, honesty, health, harmony, profit, fidelity, love, truth and faith

Negative = lack, pain, failure, dishonesty, sickness, chaos, loss, infidelity, hate, lies and fear.

You pay your tithe, where you feel you receive spiritual guidance and the effectiveness of your tithe increases. If you do not feel a spiritual connection where you tithe, you are not receiving all the good you are due. Tithing is for your benefit. And let there be no mistake, tithing WORKS! As long as your intent is to pay God that which is rightfully His, then your tithing is acceptable. You are fulfilling your obligation. But if you are not at the same time supporting the source of your own spiritual growth, you may not be getting the greatest personal benefit.

Remember one thing Give to God out of Love. He has loved you enough to give you everything you have. You are not investing to make money, you are paying back money that never belonged to you to begin with. Open your heart and let the good come in. If you don't have the 10%, tithe whatever amount you have, then gradually over the months, raise the amount, until it reaches 10%...Ask and you shall receive. That's it, Everything else is up to God.

This is my way of thinking and if you don't agree, by all means test it. It's in the Bible

Malachi 3:10
"Bring one-tenth of your income into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way," says the LORD of Armies. "See if I won't open the windows of heaven for you and flood you with blessings.


God Bless

 

[JCFantasy23]

I am beyond poor right now being unemployed. Right not I would not tithe. However, I dont see anything wrong with it in general. People should support their church and put money toward the upkeep.

 

[CalaLily]

I am beyond poor right now being unemployed. Right not I would not tithe. However, I dont see anything wrong with it in general. People should support their church and put money toward the upkeep.

I also believe tithing doesn't necessarily needs to be "money"....you could tithe with your time