To Tithe....Or Not to Tithe..?

I have been a Christian for .....lets see......26 years now.  There is nothing new under the sun, and the issue of whether Christians should tithe or not seems to come up cyclically.

I had been a believer for about 4 months before I began to learn about tithing.  It was no problem for me, new Christian and all, as when I got saved, I REALLY got saved......checking account and all!  I immediately began to joyfully write my tithe check each time I got paid. 

It never entered my heart whether I should tithe on the net or the gross, as I wanted to give God as much as I could.

A few years later, I got involved with some 'heady' Christians......guys who had nothing better to do than to debate this or that and tell why the church was so messed up.  It seems they had discovered the 'truth' that tithing was not for today.  I read the books they gave me and I have to say: The greedy part of 'self' in me bought into it.....the part that is always FEARFUL of 'not having enough'. 

Well, after about 4 months of not tithing, but instead, "giving as not being under the Law", my sane wife began to note that I was becoming a person that was against more than he was for.  I was into telling everyone how much the church was keeping them in bondage to the Law.  I was into talking alot, but my life was becoming the opposite of a free, abounding, liberal, joyous life. 

I was becoming like the other KNOTHEADS I was hanging around with! :)

All that to say, I realized she was right and started tithing again, not because I was under Law, but because if I wasnt under the Law, and the Law demanded 10%, I was under CHRIST"S Law, and that was much HIGHER!  The question was now, "God, how much of YOUR money will you allow me to keep??" 

FEAR (when you are just looking at your OWN resources...) gave way to a new spirit of FAITH (when you are looking higher to GOD"S resources).....!

Tithing was now my 'bare minimum'.  I tithed to set my 'baseline' which from there, I would set out to give to missions, to the poor, to whatever I could.  I made it a point to never have the chance to give at church and not give, if at all possible. 

Now that faith had replaced fear, I actually LOOKED FORWARD to giving!

God has blessed me many years later more than I could have ever imagined.  I see so many small-hearted, , fear-led Christians who are always-lacking and it makes me sad, as they dont even have the faith to do the minimum and tithe a meager 10%.

Does God only BLESS you 10%???? I dont understand it...... 

And they wonder why they are always lacking???

It is really is pitiful, quite honestly.....and it really does make me sad...... 

It also shows a lack of appreciation, in my opinion, and love, for the leaders who serve them week in and week out, who derive their living from ministry.  I really do believe that God honors those who honor His servants, and by tithing faithfully, we are helping to support those who serve the church, giving their life and time to serving the flock week in, week out. 

I'm done with this post......for now, at least. 

For those of you offended, you wont get an apology here, not today at least.  I have seen WAY too much fruit of idiotic "supposed" 'doctrine' that really is nothing more than a smokescreen to cover up stingy, faithless, fear-driven hearts and lives. This kind of doctrine DOES NOT produce the "good fruit" of building sound, faith-filled, love motivated believers who give of their time and resources joyfully......generation after generation!

To better fruit in our lives and families and churches,

PB

Comments

[Fearless in Florida]

I thank you for your writing on Tithing. I was searching the Internet for a discussion about tithing and you broke it down, allowing me to know I did the right thing by tithing this morning for the 1st time in 3 years!!! My new husband of 6 months does not come from an understanding why it's important to start it now. He says we cannot afford it right now. I told him this morning, as I sent my tithe through the online payment system the church has, "Honey, this is the BEST time to do it!" He left the house with a not-so-great disposition but I have to break this curse! Thanks for your encouraging words. It rested my heart knowing I did the right thing tithing from the job so graciously blessed me with!

[jeff wise]

hey carter !! welcome back ... :)

[bobbylepinay]

Hey Lindsay!

Glad to hear you are new to Harvest....I look forward to meeting you.

I just so happened to be checking the blog for comments and noticed you had just posted......great question! Here is what I think: It's all about HONOR. You need to honor your husband, yet desire to honor the Lord, correct? I would advise you to tell your husband that indeed, you want to honor him, BUT, you likewise desire to honor the Lord with what you personally make. Ask him, gently of course :), if he would be ok with that, and that IF you guys see in a month...or 3 months...whatever time frame you feel to lay out there....that it is putting strain on you, you will stop, but that you are a woman of faith, and believe God will somehow bless your desire to put him first in at least your own finances. I will chat a little about this tommorow in my message and the notes will have some good scripture references you can show him you are standing on.

Make sure, if you do this, that you in every way let him know you want to honor him as your husband, and that you are just asking him to please consider giving you his blessing to try this 'experiment' out. Tithing isnt meant to be a 'yoke' around our neck, rather, a way of showing honor to God tangibly. But in your situation, I believe you have to walk it out as above.

Hope this makes sense...!

Grace to you, and look forward to meeting you...

Pastor Bobby

[Lindsay Cooey]

I am new to Harvest and have just began to tithe. My husband does not come with me, and doesn't want me to tithe. He says we can't afford it, but I feel like we can't afford not to. I am wrong for tithing anyways?

[BobbyLepinay]

To Dave:

Hey Dave! I dont know you, but if you are saying tithing is not a "Christian" doctrine, as in something Christ (from where of course "Christian" is derived)taught, here is something to think about, from Jesus own words in Luke 11:42....

"You (Pharisees) are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You SHOULD (...I think that is a supportive word...) tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things."

Pretty plain.....Grace, friend...PB

[Dave]

Tithing is not a Christian doctrine! Even Jews in modern days in foreign lands outside Israel do not tithe. Did you know there is a reason for that? Did anyone preach that you? Talk to a rabbi this week. Ask him if it was remotely possible that Jesus even tithed. You will not be the same anymore. God bless you as you search.

[Blessed Mom of twins]

Pastor Bobby,
I'm a stay-at-home-mom to twins and my husband is the sole bread winner. We have attended both services on Sunday. It is a Blessing to Fellowship and call Harvest my Home.

I'm glad you have mentioned tithing during service and that you posted it in your blog, as I wasn't sure where (in the Bible) or how we were to tithe. By hearing you quoting Scripture, it opened our eyes to what we should be doing. Just being "Baby" Christians shouldn't deter us from giving to our church. Harvest does not "REQUIRE" you to give your offerings & tithes, you simply ask that if you call Harvest your home to do so.

If you are so led by the Holy Spirit to PREACH it, please do. I enjoy listen to both you and Pastor Craig when the Holy Spirit moves you!!! You are only telling the Truth, and that is what may be so hard for people to hear...the Truth. You are not speaking just to hear yourself talk. People anyway you look at it will be offended by something...especially if it is the Truth and they don't want to accept it for what it is.

Take care,
God Bless,
Blessed Mom of twins

[JOHN LOFTIS]

I first want to make it clear that I do not claim to be an expert on this subject. I am only going to speak from my heart and my life experience. A few things come to mind right off the bat. First and foremost, one of the best things that ever happened to me is that I started hearing preachings on tithing which then made me aware of what I was missing out on. Next, I truly believe that whatever you do needs to be from your heart. If you don't want to give it or your heart is not clear on it, then I am not so sure God wants it from you at that moment. Why are we going to church in the first place? Are we to be selective on which parts of the bible we learn from the church on Sunday? Furthermore, removing biblical tones out of it for a second (and I mean only for a second), I don't think there is an organization in this world that doesn't eventually need $$$ to pay the bills. Everything costs money to run! Why wouldn't we want to support our churches with what is really minimal in the bigger picture. Did you ever stop to think that if you don't tithe your portion that you could end up being a part of the reason that a church had to close its doors? Why is it that in this world we will go seek advice on money from various worldly institutions (which is fine) but then when it comes to teaching the bible and it's requirements on tithing that people get so defensive? Remember, we want to get away from our money controlling us and change it to God controlling us. The one commandment that always comes to mind is that "Thou Shalt Not Steal"! Question, are we stealing if we continuously go to a church to receive all of the services it has to offer but yet we don't support the church as it is written in the bible? If teachings about tithing in church will bring me closer in my obeying God's Will, then so be it. Last, I have found in my own experiences, that normally when I have a problem with something the Pastor is teaching or saying, it is most likely because I am feeling convicted myself on that particular subject. Peace!!

John Loftis

[carter]

Tithing is, as several have pointed out, the base level of giving. It could be equated, spiritually speaking, to the decision to become a Christ-follower. It's the start, but by no means the end. Teaching about tithing should not diminish faith in any way, since that's just the base level. Some people use 2 Corinthians 9 (about determining in your heart what to give) as a New Testament standard that undoes the call to tithe. But that's not about tithing - that's about a special offering. I tithe regularly, but then whenever I get a chance to give to a special need or ministry, I seek the Lord about 1. if I'm to give to this, and if so, 2. how much to give. I don't have to ask Him about tithing - that's a given. Just like I don't need to ask Him if I should love Him or love other people - it's a given.
Also, tithing's not for the church as much as it is for me. It reminds me that all that I have is God's.
And, I hate to say it, but if it offends, many times that is revealing where our hearts are. (Unfortunately, there is also the struggle of overcoming some people's view that all the church wants is their money, based on their experiences with certain leaders who spend their time coercing, pressuring and guilting people into giving.) However, if the true, Biblical message of tithing offends, it may reflect that I'm holding on too tightly to "my" money and belongings.
Bottom line, we need to remember Matthew 6.33 - seek first God, His Kingdom, and His righteousness and let God take care of our needs.

[David Bixler]

PB,
Great blog. As Christians we should be obeying God's Word & being obedience is to "bring the all your tithes to the store house." Malachi 3:10

[Pastor Craig]

More than anything else, where your money goes (or doesn't go) reflects your heart. Those who have a hard time with tithing should go on a fast until their heart turns their fisted hand's tighten grip loose on their money.

[Jim Mather]

Speaking of finance/giving-tithe etc. Take a look at a book called "Crash Proof" by Peter D. Schiff which spotlights the coming economic crisis related to the "credit" collapse in the housing market. Good stuff.
Jim

[brian hassett]

Pastor bobby, I stand with you on the subject. Some of you must not understand what titheing is. It is a command by God. Think about. you go to church in the morning, you hold back that extra five dollars in yur tithe so you can go get a cup of starbucks!! If you think that you don't have the money to tithe then take the way you do all of your bills and flip it. Dont tithe last. Tithe first. Then do all the home stuff and food and all the stuff you truly need. If you cant afford to go to starbucks twice a day, im sorry. Titheing is a matter of the people that lead the church being able to feed their families as well. you say "So, stay focussed the finances will take care of itself." I only have one question WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU? You just told them not to speak of titheing, or preach it. When we are supposed to preach the bible, titheing is in the bible. There are parables in the bible about titheing. It is a command. are we not to preach it because it may offend you???
hmmm...
and tithe boy down at the bottom is all about faith as well, "then there's no right for our leaders to condemn others for lack of faith." you said that. Did you even read the beginning of yur comment?? "I feel that churches preach the tithe because they are faithless." This was copy and pasted out of your blog. hmmm... How does that make sence? how?? If anything Christians need to be reminded of titheing. im sure we forget. It feels wrong at first. but then you get to the point to where your heart is calised and you DONT GET IT, untill someone outside of your bubble world, like pastor bobby's wife, says "HEY!! hello McFly!!! you must be out of my mind!!!" We need to be preached at about tithing just as much as we need to be preached at about lying, and following the Holy spirit, and The Trinity, and lieing. Titheing is a command. What happens when you dont do what God commands? hmmm.... Everything is just so blessed right? You are just such a fruitful person.

Now. I know, i dont have it figured out. Dont say that i do. But There are some MAJOR wholes in some of your comments. Just as well there are some in mine. I rambled. I love you. But I get worked up. I guess i will know if this comment is ok or else Pastor boby will remove it, I hope.
-brian hassett.

[xyz]

Paster Bobby
Okay, you don't have to apologize for your post but I don't think you need to remind people to tithe. Christian who call Harvest HOME know the church needs all the support one can give. I may not have the finances the next person has but I am doing my best. We have many newcomers at Harvest. I fear this topic may offend some. I have been there for some time and I surely felt after reading your post that what I give its not enough for Harvest. Also, the first commentor seems upset about tithes because of what he experienced as a child. Well, I have experienced churches where everytime you worship there are multiple collections or requests for money. When a church is focused on GOD's work, God opens the hearts of its followers. So, stay focused and the finances will take care of itself.

[Todd Flores]

I have to chime in on this one, man oh man. The bottom line is alot of ministries fail because church members within their own local church body don't Tithe like God's word instructs them to & alot of these very churches are scared to even discuss this very important issue with their Church members. Why is it that people in today's church have become so sensitive? This whole new age movement of not offending nobody, just do whatever you want attitude is hurting the church. I have personally experienced first hand what non-titheing church members do to a local church body as Financial Secretary of a church. Our weekly Financial meetings turned into a slugfest over $100. It got so bad that there had to be a majority vote just to approve $100 in spending for ministry. The main reason for this was because most of the church members at this church did not tithe like they should. There still is a thing called conviction. I also grew up a Pastors kid & have personally served in Ministry & I would still be in Ministry doing what I love if the money was there to support my family. I made a whopping $840.00 per month to support my family of six because of Non-Titheing Church Members. Don't get me wrong I was very thankful for the money I was given by the Church but ask yourself, Can you raise your family on $840.00 per month? It was a new church & the Pastor was to scared to teach & instruct his church members concerning Titheing. He did not want to offend anyone & in the meantime the Church suffered & the Leaders. I can still remember riding in the car with my Dad when I was a kid & almost running out of gas before he preached on Sunday. I thought this was the norm for a Minister until I got older. It was because people are selfish with what God has given them. In my BOLD opinion Titheing is one of the number one issues facing the Church today. YOU CANNOT DO MINISTRY WITHOUT MONEY, PLAIN & SIMPLE. It takes a ton of money to do it effectively. It's time for church members to step up & do their part in this area. To end, I'm proud of my Pastor for addressing this issue. For Harvest to succeed in this community we all need to Tithe & give all we can. The enemy has a stack of hundreds in his pocket at his disposal & we are jingling change in our pockets. I'm so tired of the Church coming up short in this area.

[Fred McKinnon]

phew wee ... and I thought it was *HOT* here on the beach in Georgia! This should be good!

(Btw - gave my tithe check AND our building fund "over and above" check last week!) :-)

[bobby]

To 'tithe':

If you are truly convinced about your 'position', why do you remain anonymous? People who truly believe what they stand for, dont hide behind anonymity.

All that you say SOUNDS good....very 'spiritual'. But chances are you have never been a pastor and had staff that made their living helping the mission of reaching people for Jesus happen. Let me ask you a question: Do YOU live by faith....no set salary? Do you work and not get paid? Maybe you should apply your reasoning to your own life, my friend.

If you follow your own logic, you would certainly have more salary if you told your employer "just to pay you whatever he feels to, because you want to live by faith."

Are you ready yourself for that step of faith?

Surely you dont expect others to live by a different standard than you are willing to live by, do you?

I have not ONCE seen a person who takes this 'supposed' more spiritual approach give more than the tithe. They are usually far short. That was my own experience during the months I quit tithing. It took greater faith to tithe and believe God to give more and more, BEYOND that mere baseline of the tithe that OLD TESTAMENT people followed, and that I believe was accepted practice in the NT as well as historically since.

Friend, if you are talking about giving more than the Old Testament standard, I am with you. Less??? Ha!!! Come on....who are you kidding?? Before God, do you honestly and consistently give more than 10%? If so, you are the first I have personally seen.

Please answer me: What experience do you have to speak from? Do you carry the prayer burden of seeing a staff supplied for? Do YOU recieve a salary? Do you live strictly by faith, refusing a set income?

"The workman is worthty his hire." The tithe, by the way, was not an Old Cov law. it was set in place before that. It was about HONOR then. It is about HONOR today as well. FAITH goes beyond the tithe.

If you truly believe that if we dont teach tithing, people will give more....and more is what we are all after in developing as fully devoted followers of Christ, .....then why would a 'baseline amount' be a problem??? I have never heard any teaching that says "ONLY GIVE 10%....DONT GIVE ANY MORE!!!" No one has ever said you will be disobeying God if you give MORE than 10%, so how can teaching tithing hinder people from giving more....limiting their faith?

No, my friend, those who oppose the teaching of tithing are those who want to clench their fist around God's money (see Mal 3....its STILL God's money in the New Testament!) under the guise of being more spiritual.

If you reply,please sign it with your true name so we can have an honest dialog on this blog.

Sincerely,
PB

[Robert Pooley]

Also a pretty good post to remind us to be careful about who you hang out with...
Which might be a little concerning considering that we do hang out...
:-)

[tithe]

I agree with you that some people use their anti-tithing arguments for an excuse not to give to their church. But your statement below is relevant to those who don't give, to those who do, and to those who receive the tithe.

"I have seen WAY too much fruit of idiotic "supposed" 'doctrine' that really is nothing more than smoke to cover up stingy, faithless hearts."

The whole ingredient to that statement is "faithless hearts". I feel that churches preach the tithe because they are faithless in relying on the Spirit of God to lead their people in giving. When people want help discerning the will of God i always say choose the path that would take greater faith, and i guarantee that's the path God wants you to take. So my question is, is it no wonder that our churches don't rely on Spirit-led giving because that would take too much faith for our church budgets. Seriously, if our leaders actually said, "do not tithe, but petition the Holy Spirit this week to discern what to give". First of all, what great faith it would require from our leaders to do that, and the second thing that would be great is the extra petitions to God that would be given about our giving. You see with tithing, the only prayer to be prayed is, "God help me to give this cheerfully". There is no prayer for discernement, no prayer for counsel, and no communication with God's Spirit about the amount. In the old covenant, this was fine, because Israel was to obey the old Covenant. But for today, we've been given the Spirit and a new covenant.

I hate to go off so much about the church leadership, but that's where financial revival starts and that's where it ends-Always. As long as the "Spirit-led" church continues its financial security through an old covenant law and not through the Spirit, then there's no right for our leaders to condemn others for lack of faith.

[carter]

Bobby,
My brother, I want to encourage you to not hold in your feelings. When you just hold it in, beat around the bush, and don't let your real feelings out, it will cause problems. :-) (how do you make a good smiley face in a blog comment?)
Seriously, bro, great post. A good reminder to us all.