Without question, the issue of the tithe is a seriously vexed and a deeply controversial one. A lot of opinion has been expressed on the subject – sadly, most of it unscriptural. Popular? Definitely. Politically correct? Yes. Sounds reasonable? Maybe. But, definitely not scriptural.
Let's just do what the bible says. Unless you are reading a different bible from mine, God makes it abundantly clear that He expects us to honor Him with one tenth of our income. The tithe is not some clever gimmick to raise money for the church. It is an integral part of our worship. It is God's chosen way to release resources for the work of the kingdom: and at the same time release blessings to His people.
I have come to discover that most people want to do the right thing; but many times they lack understanding. Proverbs 4:7 says; "In all your getting, get understanding." So let's shed some light on the subject of tithe – so that we may have some understanding on the subject. Psalm 119:130 says " the entrance of your word gives light. It gives understanding to the simple."
Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions on the subject:
1. What exactly is the tithe?
It is 10% of your gross income, which you dedicate to the Lord in worship. When you tithe you are not giving God 10% of your money, you are keeping 90% of His.
2. Should I tithe on the net or on the gross?
Your real income is the gross, so you should tithe on the gross.
Genesis 14:20 – "a tithe of ALL"
Proverbs 3:9 – "first fruits of ALL your increase"
Malachi 3:10 – "bring ALL the tithes"
ALL means 10% of everything.
3. How do I tithe on my business?
You tithe only on the profit, you do not tithe on all the money you receive.
4. What if I give my tithe to someone in need, or I send it to a few ministries that have blessed me, does it count?
No. it is good to support those in need and to support other ministries, but your tithe belongs to God.
Malachi 3:10 tells us three things about the place where you must bring your tithes:
It is God's house.
It is the place where you are fed.
It is the storehouse – where your needs are supplied.
Your tithe belongs to your local church – the place where pastoral covering is provided over your life. Where you are fed spiritually each week. The people who minister to you when you are sick or in hospital, when a family member dies, when you need prayer or counseling, when you have a baby or when you get married.
5. What if the Church is Mishandling my money?
God always judges unrighteous leadership for their wickedness and for mishandling money. But He still blesses the people who give. The two sons of Eli, were judged because they abused the offerings that the people brought to God. Once you have given your offering as unto the Lord, you don't have to police how the money is managed. God will judge the leadership if there is corruption there.
6. What if I tithe faithfully and still not prospering financially?
There are a thousand reasons why you may be tithing and giving faithfully and still be broke: poor financial decisions, bad financial management, a wrong relationship with money (fear immaturity, irresponsibility) living beyond your means – the list goes on.
7. What if my spouse is not in agreement with my tithing?
There is tremendous power in agreement, so I encourage you to do whatever you can to ensure that you and your spouse are walking in agreement. If all fails and they insist that they do not want to tithe their income, see if they will let you tithe yours. If they still do not agree and you feel pushing the matter further will jeopardize your marriage, then commit it to God in prayer.
For single people, this is one issue you must settle before you get married. Let the person who wants to marry you know two things upfront.
a. My tithe is an integral part of my worship and my entire relationship with God.
b. As you will not stop me from paying my taxes, you should not stop me from tithing.
Now if you do not provide the income, you cannot force the providing spouse to tithe.
8. If I have no income can I still tithe?
Yes. Consider what God has given you that you would normally convert to income, and tithe on that. Your time, your skills, etc.
9. Is the tithe not an Old Testament requirement?
No. Tithe came before the law. First the Old Testament did not start in Genesis chapter1, nor did the New Testament start in Mathew chapter 1. The Old Testament started in Exodus when the old covenant was initiated on Mount Sinai and then the New Testament started towards the end of the gospels, when the new covenant was instituted on Mount Calvary.
How do we determine if something that started in the Old Testament is still valid under the new covenant? If the death of Jesus does not render it obsolete, then it is still valid today. Prayer, fasting, honoring parents and helping the poor are still valid today under the new covenant.
In Mathew 23:23 Jesus validated the tithe
"For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law and justice, mercy and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (NLT)
Paul did the same in Hebrews 7:8
"Here mortal man receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives."
10. Will I go to hell if I do not tithe?
No. Your salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus, not by your tithe. You are not saved by good works, but you are saved for good works. You are justified by your faith, but you are judged by your works. It is possible to be saved and still not believe in healing. You can die coughing, gasping and wheezing – you will still go to heaven. You can also die broke and in debt - you will still go to heaven.
When you tithe you are doing three things:
a. You are acknowledging that all you are and all you have come from God.
b. You are resisting the temptation to worship the gift, rather than the Giver.
c. You are bringing your finances under God's covenant protection.
The most important thing to say about the tithe is this:
This is one biblical truth where you can put to the test for yourself. This is the one place in the bible where God challenges us to try Him. So go ahead and put God to the test. Make a decision to tithe faithfully and consistently for six months.
