“You must each decide in your heart how much
to give” (2 Corinthians 9:7NLT).
Someone
asked me a question, a good question. I called it a good question because the
asker wants to know the why behind the what he do – not merely doing it.
His question was: “Richard, are Christians supposed to tithe?” straightaway I
answered, “Yes”. “But,” he continued his series of question, “aren’t it was
only applicable during the Old Testament times?” “Hmmm….” I paused for awhile.
In
the Old Testament times, God commanded the Israelites to give 10% or 1/10 of all their
earnings and flocks and crops to Him. The Book of Deuteronomy recorded, “You
must set aside a tithe of your crops – one-tenth of all the crops you harvest
each year” (14:22). This title actually
was not for God, after all, the whole earth is belongs to Him. It was used to
support the Levites and priests. It was for temple maintenance. It was to help
provided food for the poor, the widows and orphans. And so you know: tithing,
in the Old Testament view was not an option but a command – blessings to those
who tithed and curse if they failed to (see Malachi 3:8-12).
Today
is 3rd September 2012, not in the Old Testament times.
We are in the time after the New Testament period.
Now, should we tithe?
We are in the time after the New Testament period.
Now, should we tithe?
I
answered him, “We are no longer under the law but under grace, so the exact
requirement for tithing such as ‘one-tenth of all the crops’ is no longer
applicable for us today. But…” I paused. Take a sip of coffee, then continued,
“…the truth principle behind the law is very much relevant, practical and thus
beneficial for us to apply. Your tithes, our tithes can be use to support the
church in financial. With more finances, the church can reach out to the
community – to take care of one another, to help the needy and to evangelize
people. The truth is, in the New Testament, there is no specific teaching about
tithing. The writers of the New Testament only told Christians to give as much
as they’re able. Jesus talked a great deal about giving generously. Paul writes
to urged Christians to give cheerfully, as much as they could and not because
they are ‘force’ to do it but sincerely from the generous heart” (see Luke 6:38
and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
His
eyes looked straight at my innocent face – irritating. “So???” he talked a bit louder.
Devour for bottom-line answer.
“So…
regardless either you believe in tithing or not – I personally, firmly believe
that Christians today should still tithe. Part of being Christ-follower is
giving generously to God and others. Personally (again), if you want to experience freedom from the bondage of money... if you want your joy to be full... if really, your eyes fixed on the Lord... you would give tithe... yes, even more offering to God”
He
sort of agrees with me. I smiled. He walked away. I waved goodbye. He ignored
it. I start writing this post. He maybe read this note now… I say, 'hello!'.
THINK BIG. START SMALL.
GO DEEP.
Tithing and generosity should really not be mentioned in the same sentence. We cannot claim we are being generous because we pay our taxes to our respective governments anymore than the Old Testament Jews claim generosity by giving their tithes as the tithes were taxes as well.
ReplyDeleteNowhere in the bible do we see generosity defined in terms of the Old Testament tithes. We are instead encouraged to give as we are able with no minimums or maximums imposed.
God bless.
Note that I'm in a conversation, not in a formal way of speaking. Thus, my used of 'term' may not have much effect to my hearer, as much as the message that I want to conveyed to him, namely, give generously.
DeleteBut I agree with you that "Nowhere in the bible do we see generosity defined in terms of the Old Testament tithes. We are instead encouraged to give as we are able with no minimums or maximums imposed." Thanks :)
To be clear, I did writes that Christians are told "to give as much as they’re able. Jesus talked a great deal about giving generously. Paul writes to urged Christians to give cheerfully, as much as they could and not because they are ‘force’ to do it but sincerely from the generous heart”
I highlight the word 'generous' because what's the point of giving without the heart of generosity? What's the point of giving when there's no heart of gladness made visible through generosity? :) and yes, Paul in the NT over and over again encouraged us to give freely, as much as each decide to give... would that also involved generosity?
If not. Will you correct me? Thanks :) I'm willing to learn.