As I look around at churches today the practice of tithing seems to be becoming more and more popular. Some churches are using the term to literally mean the 10% and others are just using the term to mean your giving to the church. So today I want to take a few moments to consider the idea of tithing and whether or not it is according to scripture.
Should we be tithing?
The word tithing in some form or fashion is used 39 times in the bible with seven of those instances being in the New Testament. However, each of those times it is referenced in the New Testament it is pointing back to the practices of the Old Testament. The idea of tithing was founded upon the Levitical Priesthood and the fact that the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance. (Numbers 18:24)
Furthermore, tithing was typically done with objects and not money. It was done in order that the priesthood could live from day to day though they did not have the same means in order to maintain their sustenance. It was a unique concept established by God for his people in that day.
So should we be tithing today? Not only should we not be tithing, I would even go so far as to say that you do not even have the ability to tithe today. Unless you know where the Levitical Priesthood is and you can go give to them you have not the ability to tithe.
How should we give?
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Repeatedly we are taught in the New Testament that our giving should be according to our means, the blessings of God, and what we purpose in our heart. The key point when it comes to giving in the New Testament age is not about the amount or a certain percentage, but rather the intent behind that amount. In other words a $10 gift can be the greatest donation of the day because it was given with love and sacrifice or a $100 donation can be the worst because it was given with the intent of holding back in order to buy the things of this world.
Furthermore, the church should refrain from having too much knowledge or record about how much a person is giving. Giving to the church, to God’s ministers, and to the needy is not something to be judged of man but rather is to be a decision made in prayer and judged only by God based on the intents of the heart.
What is the purpose in giving?
There are many purposes in giving. The first being that the church has expenses that must be paid. For most churches they must be able to pay utilities, insurance, and other costs that arise. When churches host special meetings other costs and necessities are brought forth and giving to the church off-sets those expenses. The second being to support the needy in the congregation. The church should be in a position to help those that come upon things in life that effect their ability to function from day to day. Finally, and possibly most importantly, one should give to support the ministry.
“For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” (1 Timothy 5:18)
The scriptures consistently teach that a minister is like an ox. They have not the ability and thus should not have to reach far and wide to find their next meal, but should be able to feed from where they labor. This is not to say that a minister should not have a secular job. Churches should not be so burdened with the care of their pastor financially that it becomes a hindrance to serving the Lord. However, a church does have an obligation to help support their pastor in a physical way was well. With that being said the minister also has an obligation to support the church.
Thus, the purpose of giving should be that the gospel continues to go forth to God’s people here in time.
There is much that can be said about giving in the Lord’s service, but let us conclude with this thought. Giving is no longer a matter of law but rather a matter of love.
May the Lord Bless you this week,
Elder J.W. Cunningham
(Note: This is one writing in a continued series called “Living the Church Life” – Credit goes to Elder J.D. Holder as research for these writings is from his book “Principles and Practice of the Church” published by the Primitive Baptist Publishing House in 1961.)
Thoughts and Meditations of Elder J.W. Cunningham 