Tithes
Bible Question: Tithe money. Should tithing be 10%?
Answer: Tithing was a part of the Law covenant given to the nation of Israel by God thru Moses. The instructions are found in
Lev. 27:30-34 and Deut. 14:27-29 as well as other scriptures. They were told to give one tenth of the increase of all they had
to the Lord to be used as he specified, for instance, for the Levites, widows, orphans and the needy.
Actually, it was
really a tithe unto the Lord, but the Levites were to partake of the tithe. "And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the
flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD." Leviticus 27:32
"And the LORD
spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and
thine inheritance among the children of Israel. And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an
inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Numbers 18:20-23
As for tithing today, Christians have not been commanded to tithe, because they are not under the Law of the Hebrews. In
fact, the Apostle Paul, who was one of the most active of the Apostles in serving the Church, did not ask for money, although
he did appreciate the voluntary offerings when they were given. He even went to tent making when his funds were low. (Acts
18:3) Paul also commanded the servants of Christ not to beg for money or preach for "filthy lucres sake." (1 Peter 5:1-2)
Additional examples from the new testament show the mind of the Lord with regard to money donations. In Mark 12:41-44,
Jesus commends the poor widow who gave all she had (more than 10%) when she came to the temple. I Cor. chapter 16 and II Cor.
chap. 8 & 9 talk about collections to relieve suffering congregations and Phil. 4: 10-20 tells of the love and help sent to
the apostle Paul from the Philippian church.
Tithing in the Churches became common by about the 3rd century to
finance the large edifices built —- this was not commanded of the Lord, nor did Jesus and Apostles ever suggest such
structures. The expenses of the early Church were very small for they met in each other's homes. The funds collected were
usually for the necessities of the poor, widows, or to help assist missions of the disciples to preach the word of God.
For the Christian, we are to give "all" to God, not just a tenth. God doesn't want our money, He already possesses the
universe —- He wants our hearts, our time, our talents. "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." (Malachi 3:10) This does not mean to give all that we
have to a Church organization (which may or may not make good use of it). It means to determine ourselves how to use best our
time, money, talents, etc in the Lords service. Look for opportunities to serve. If we are of a comfortable financial status,
then maybe money is one of our talents, and we can use this if we see a specific need that we can support with our hearts as
well. But, if we are already poor and living on a fixed income, it would be unwise to put ourselves in a position where we
might have to impose on others for their financial help, thus making the offering more theirs than ours.
In brief,
all contributions should be voluntary, and no one should be made to feel guilty for not paying a tithe. Our fellowship
believes that you should tithe whatever you feel is prudent. Again, the church is not to be a receptacle for money, but for
the will and the heart. We do not say that placing your hard-earned income in an offering plate is a prudent way to serve the
LORD. In fact, the overwhelming evidence is that there is no glory for God in that kind of giving, but rather glory to men who
build fabulous places and then have to support them.
In a practical sense, then, it would be prudent to find a way to
use your income to care for the things of God and the promulgation of Truth-because it is the Truth that will make a man
"free". John 8:32
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The Christian has no law
to bind him, but he is directed by the spirit of love. Ask the LORD how you can best serve Him, and do that with all your
heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.