This blog begins a series of articles that I have entitled “Things I Wish I’d Known “. This will be a whole lot of random topics that I feel many women are not educated on today for a myriad of different reasons. Whether you want to blame the school system, toxic feminism, ignorance, or sheer laziness, children and teens are not being taught essential Christian life skills. Well, it’s never too late to catch up. I hope that you will find these articles prove useful to you, and motivate you to teach your own children.
Today’s topic: tithing.
We just had Missions Sunday at our church, and while the emphasis was on missions (obviously), the preacher also mentioned tithing. Did you know that less than 25% percent of Christians tithe? If even half of your church started tithing biblically, your church could double its impact! Wow! So let’s start today’s lesson.
- Tithing is a Commandment
Tithing was practiced before the law by Abraham and Jacob, under the law by the Israelites, and after the law by Christians. The word tithe literally means the tenth part, reinforced by Jacob’s promise to give God the tenth part of everything he gained. A couple key chapters for tithing would be Genesis 14, Genesis 28, Leviticus 27, Malachi 3, I Corinthians 9, II Corinthians 8-9, and Hebrews 7. It is important to note that while Jesus never specifically commanded His disciples to tithe, He also never told them NOT to tithe. It is not unreasonable to assume that God, Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, would expect tithe of His people today; nor is it unreasonable for Him to ask of us a mere 1/10 of our income.
2. Tithing is a Necessity.
Without the tithe of the people, the ministers cannot work as they should. This is covered in the the key chapters mentioned above. The work of the Lord must be financed by someone, and it is rational that that someone should be us. Sometimes church members take it for granted that the electricity is on and the rent is payed, that the bus has fuel and the pastor got his paycheck- but that money has to come from somewhere. God has a plan to take care of His church, and that plan is for Christians to tithe. Too many churches are going into debt and closing their doors because we are disobedient in the area of tithing!
3. Tithing is Not a License to Sin.
Jesus made it very clear to the Pharisees in Luke 11 that being super careful about tithe and neglecting the rest of God’s commandments is hypocritical. Obedience to one commandment will not cancel out disobedience to another. It may soothe your conscience, but that’s about all. I know of so-called Christians who will mail in their tithe every month, but will never darken the doorstep of the church themselves. God doesn’t take bribes, and will not be fooled by your replacing repentance with money.
4. Tithing is done by Choice.
Tithing is not to be mandated by the church, the state, or anyone else. This is made clear in II Corinthians 9:7. However, you should not have to be conjoled or forced into it, because it should be something you do freely and cheerfully. What an honor to be allowed to take part in the Lord’s work! But it is your choice. This is why most pastors don’t look at giving records, and why we don’t have accountability partners for giving. It is between you and God- but then again, who is a better accountability partner than Him?
Ok, now we have decided that we will tithe. How do we start? I’m glad you asked!
- Get out your paystub.
Look at your paystub (physical or online version), and see the total amount you made this pay period. Write down that amount. For example, your number might be $1,230.57.
2. Get out your calculator.
Actually, you probably won’t even need the calculator for this one. Just move the decimal point to the left one space. Round to the nearest dollar. Using our example, your amount would be $123. If using the calculator, multiply the original number by .10. In either situation, the final answer is your tithe.
3. Get out your checkbook.
Now make out a check or go withdraw cash for the amount, and put it in the offering plate at church either every pay period or combine to tithe once a month. Simple, right?
Now for some frequently asked questions.
Q: If I tithe, how will I be able to make ends meet?
A: The Lord blesses those who obey Him. You may have to cut out unnecessary items from your spending (new clothes, expensive coffee, dinner out every night), but I never have met anyone who could honestly say that the Lord didn’t provide for them when they were faithful to Him and careful with their money.
Q: Should I tithe on my tax return?
A: If you tithe on your gross income (your income before taxes are taken out), then no. You already payed tithe on it. If you tithe on your net income (after taxes are taken out), then yes.
Q: Should I tithe on gifts?
A: You should tithe on gifts if they are in money form. For instance, I tithe on cash and gift cards, but I don’t try to figure out how much the bar of chocolate from Valentine’s cost and tithe on that. If you receive a very expensive gift and know its value, I would pray about it and maybe ask your pastor.
Q: Are tithing and giving the same thing?
A: No. Tithe is the mandated amount of 10% required of all Christians. Giving is an amount over the tithe that a Christian gives based on what God has given him/her in love and gratitude.
Hope this was helpful!
-Beth
The Rasbeary Patch 
Excellent and a problem in many churches…