The Tenth

If you are from a church environment, you will be familiar with the aspect of tithing (ten percent of one’s gross or net income) The monies you give to the church are used for things like endorsing all its programs, salary for the staff, paying off the building mortgage, insurance, building maintenance, and the list goes on. What does the Bible really say about tithing? Let’s delve into what the scriptures on this topic say.

Unlike my blog article, The Struggle, I will not be printing out the verses I’ll be citing. I want you to look them up in the Bible yourself. Along with my comments on tithing, please come up with what you believe (not what a pastor said should be your beliefs). Let’s begin the journey.

Deuteronomy 14:22 – Even though a tenth is mentioned in this verse it seems more like a savings plan than a way to give to God. This verse is agricultural based with the term “fields produce.” Is it wrong for preachers today to take a farming verse and turn it in to a reason to tithe? Can that switch be made accurately? The decision is up to you.

Malachi 3:10-11 – Though this verse discusses God’s blessings after testing Him in the area of tithing, like before it is agricultural in nature with words like “storehouse, food, and floodgates.”  (The tenth is not mentioned in these verses.) Can the transition from farming to our modern world of electronic tithing be made? You are the judge and jury.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – In this verse, God wants you to decide how much you wish to give financially (or tithe). Our Heavenly Father does not want you to give because you are being forced to. He wants it done with an attitude of cheerfulness, (or forget it).

Hopefully, this article has provided clarity and answered lingering questions for you on the topic of tithing. Whatever you decide, the Heavenly Father wants to use you and your money (depending on your decision) in an awesome way.