The Tithe as a Stumbling Block?
I’m going to get in trouble with this post. I can feel it. So many of us (including me) swallow hard when someone challenges one of our long-held religious practices. So please stay with me and hear me out before abandoning ship and looking for the ‘unsubscribe’ button.
I believe the concept of the tithe needs to be reexamined in light of the New Testament.
The tithe is mentioned 5 times in Scripture . . . all in the Old Testament. Take a look . . .
Leviticus 27:30: A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Malachi 3:8: Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How are we robbing you?” In tithes and offerings.
Numbers 18:21: I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.
Deuteronomy 12:17: You must not eat in your own towns the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, or the firstborn of your herds and flocks, or whatever you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts.
Malachi 3:10: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
From what I understand, the tithe was like a tax to support the Levites who were the preachers, pastors and scholars for the Jewish people. The tithe was an obligation and God spoke strongly to His people to do the right thing and ‘pay up.’ He promised them blessings for obedience and called those who didn’t ‘robbers.’
Turn the clock forward to Jesus’ day and think about the rich young ruler story (Mark 10:17-29). The guy wants to know what it takes to have eternal life. He tells Jesus that he’s kept the law (which means he was a tither). But Jesus tells him to go sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor. The tithe wasn’t good enough for Jesus. That’s why I started to think it might be a stumbling block for us today.
We don’t fight the fact that so much of the New Covenant superseded Old Testament law. We accept ‘turn the other cheek’ as a more Christ-like response than ‘an eye for an eye.’ We embrace the New Covenant freedom to not circumcise our children, gladly ignoring that Old Covenant requirement. Why do we hang on to the tithe when there’s such clear guidance saying the tithe isn’t enough? I have two theories:
- The tithe is a way for us to feel good about ourselves – We think we’ve been obedient . . . we’ve given God His 10% so now we can do what we want with our 90%.
- The church reinforces tithing out of fear – It realizes that if tithers reduced their giving or went away, the church would be in big trouble. On the other hand, church leadership calculates how much money the church would have to accomplish its mission if everyone tithed. So that becomes the goal.
I believe the message of Jesus is that God owns it all. That we are stewards not owners. We’re accountable for all our resources, not just 10%. And Scripture is clear that God has different visions for people of different economic strata. Check this out . . .
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48b)
And this verse . . .
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
As individuals, our giving must start with “deciding in our hearts” what to give. That means prayer, conversations with our wives, a close look at our finances with the goal of seeing just how much we can give instead of how little. (Maybe it’s a hangover from my Baptist upbringing, but I still begin my annual giving plan with a tithe to my church!) Begin with a percentage and raise it as the Lord leads and your capacity increases.
As churches, we’re much smarter (not to mention obedient) to pursue the hearts of men over their pocketbooks. A few wealthy cheerful givers, ‘sold out’ for Jesus, will bring far more to the church than a larger group of tithers acting out of obligation.
Question: Have you been duped into thinking that the tithe is ‘it’?
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Responses (27)
Spot on! Many years ago, after reading Randy Alcorn’s classic, “Money, Possessions, and Eternity”, I began to adhere and teach three principles: 1) God owns it all 2) We just manage it 3) Using his principles.
Totally agree Jerry.
Regi, thanks for the reminder that God owns it all. May we be found to be good stewards of everything He has blessed us with.
Thanks Doug. Appreciate you reading and commenting. Go Dabo! Go Tigers!
Yep, you’re going to get in trouble for this.
Interestingly, I rarely hear pastors talk about any other Old Testament laws Christians should obey. Why should Christians continue to pay the temple tax while remaining free to eat pork?
And I rarely hear them talk about how it was much greater than 10%.
I think there’s a lot of self-preservation in modern day tithing teaching.
Couldn’t agree more. Comments have been pretty supportive overall. Can’t wait to see how many ‘unsubscribes’!
Regi, you are spot on but I would also challenge us as followers of Christ to examine our hearts (Jesus is) to see if our lord is our money. The rich young ruler’s problem was that his money was his lord, not The Lord. In my own life the Lord convicted me to sell my BMW and to start with a tithe, and then go up from there. He knows for me that I can become ‘stuff’ focused and not Jesus focused, and my status things were my lord. The other thing that He convicted me of was giving ‘first fruits’. I used to give out of what was left over at the end of the month. Now I give up front when I have income and live off of the remainder. Somehow that remainder goes a lot further when I give to Him out of my love for Him.
I’ve experienced the same thing. While I don’t give to receive, He loves to give and it’s been amazing how He’s always provided . . . and abundantly.
I don’t know why you were worried about someone being angered about this article; it is excellent.
Personally, as a missionary, I’d rather have a large number of people each giving a little, than a few “wealthy” givers giving a lot. If just one big giver stops—ouch!
Obviously, you’ve been there. I love the words of Paul . . . for people to give ‘as they have determined in their hearts’. If that’s a big gift, thank you Lord. If it’s a bunch of little gifts, thank you Lord. It’s all from Him and He’s trustworthy. So we move forward in faith, right?
I do agree with your overall assessment of the fact that God owns it all and we are the steward of what He has given us and I have taught that in over 43 years of ministry. However, the word tithe is used at least 23 times in the Scripture and twice in the N.T. Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. My attitude, and I believe the Biblical teaching, is along the same attitude as yours but your statements need to be corrected in alignment to the Word to increase the validity of your point.
Actually, now that I’ve looked more closely, it’s mentioned 3 times in the New Testament . . . the two you mentioned and also in Hebrews. You’re right, I went by the concordance in the new Zondervan NIV Study bible which doesn’t mention those three New Testament passages. Here they are :
Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Hebrews 7:4-10 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
I think Jesus is clearly making the same point I’m making in the first two. The Hebrews verse is referring to Jewish practices in the days of Abraham which connect back to the 5 Old Testament verses I sighted. As I said, I still give from my ‘first fruits’ and I start with a tithe to my church. But I also know from my own experience that at times, especially earlier in my walk, I hid behind the tithe, keeping the rest of what God had given me to myself. Not good. Thanks for reading and for your comment.
Regi,
You just threw a hand grenade into the whole mix.
You may need to note that tithe is also mentioned in NT:
Luke 11:42 / Matthew 23:23
Hebrews 7:4-10
Would be important to expound the context and meaning in these NT mentions.
I have also noted that Paul, the ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ never mentioned tithing but talked a lot about giving!
You’re right, I went by the concordance in the new Zondervan NIV Study bible which doesn’t mention those three New Testament passages. Here they are :
Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Hebrews 7:4-10 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
I think Jesus is clearly making the same point I’m making in the first two. The Hebrews verse is referring to Jewish practices in the days of Abraham which connect back to the 5 Old Testament verses I sighted. As I said, I still give from my ‘first fruits’ and I start with a tithe to my church. But I also know from my own experience that at times, especially earlier in my walk, I hid behind the tithe, keeping the rest of what God had given me to myself. Not good. Thanks for reading and for your comment.
As most of the commentators, I fully agree with your conclusion. Let me expound further what I think the tithe is by telling you what is so interesting about the number 10.
When you look at the number, you will find that it is associated with tests throughout the bible.
It starts with Abraham. When he had won over the five kings that had taken Lot captive, he met Melchizedek, king of Salem. That is „my righteous and holy king, king of peace“. Does that ring any bells?
Abraham pays the tithe of what he conquered to Melchizedek. It was a test, a test of subordination to a higher. But that is not the only occurrence of the number ten in Abrahams life.
When Abraham lived in Canaan for ten years, Sarai brought Hagar to him and urged him to fulfill God’s promise and prophecy of a son himself. This time, Abraham failed. His faith failed the test – but obviously, God did not draw back his promise.
Abraham, when asking the Lord to save Sodom if he found upright men there, started at fifty, but ended his request at the number 10. If God would find 10 upright men, he would spare Sodom and Gomorrah.
Later, it was Abraham again that sent his servant to find a wife for the son of promise. And the servant took with him 10 camels. It was these camels that the future wife had to give water to so the servant would know that it was her. And her brother asked for a 10 day waiting period before she was to leave. But the servant did not accept that. Test after test.
The same brother changed payments 10 times for Jacob, before Jacob finally had enough. It was 10 brothers of Josef that first went down to Egypt when there was no food in Canaan.
And we just finished Genesis. Look at the rest of the bible, and you will find the 10 plagues in Egypt. 10 commandments. Would Israel listen to the 10 spies? Gideon took 10 servants to bring down the high places of his father during the night, executing God’s assignment. 10 virgins, five foolish and five wise.
Did I make my point?
Even the forty years in the wilderness speak of it. 4 times 10. Or the forty years between Jesus’ death and the destruction of the temple – a test for the Jews whether they would repent and accept the Messiah.
Passing tests at times is vital. Ask any Israelite older than 20 when leaving Egypt. Not to speak of the Jews living in Jerusalem 70 AD.
Sometimes, failing just means additional rounds around a mountain. Just take the test again. Abraham passed the second time around and had his promised son Isaac with the right woman, in God’s plan.
But whether you loose your life or just some time, it is not worth it.
Now think about tithing. God promises that he will open the gates of heaven when we tithe. Jesus and his Kingdom live in us, and it is through us that the Kingdom will come into this world. Thus, we are those gates of heaven. Failing the test prevents the Kingdom to manifest first in our lives and then in our surroundings. Is that worth it?
But a test is only the beginning of something new. It is just that: a test. The question: will I be faithful with my ressources? Just as the ten camels were just a downpayment for future possessions and responsibilities, just as the 40 years were just the beginning to enter the promised land and the responsibility to take it and take care of it, the tithe is just the beginning of receiving and stewarding more.
Thanks for reading and commenting Ralph
My whole life I have been told that every good Christian tithes with zero scriptural reference. It’s a game of self righteousness. There is no record in the bible of a Christian tithing. Giving is all over the place. Jesus mentioned tithing twice, both times condemning the tithers self righteousness. These people should have been tithing for they were under the covenant of law. Praise God we under a new covenant. Thank you for your courage. Nick
Amen and thank you.
Well said. While I think the idea of a tithe serves as a good baseline, there are the dangers you speak of in doing so, e.g. thinking the rest is “ours”, magical thinking (I tithe, God blesses), and legalism.
What seems important to teach are that all belongs to God and giving that is a response to and flows out of God’s grace to us, i.e. giving that is generous, sacrificial, and cheerful.
Couldn’t agree more Carl
A ‘baseline” is a good word, I like it. I tithe to my home church, 10% of my gross. No exceptions there. Then, as opportunities arise, I give to other organizations – other churches who I think are doing important work, charitable organizations, all kinds of other organizations. Some are recurring monthly donations, some are just once or twice a year as I have a few extra $$ or I see a need. I couldn’t even name them all. There’s an orphanage in Mexico and a Church Mission in Mexico where I sponsor a young boy in school and go visit he and his family at least once a year when I’m down there. There’s the US Olympic Committee because I love sports and I want to support, in some tiny way, those who have big dreams in sports. There’s St. Jude’s Hospital because of the research they do to benefit children. Hey, I even try to throw a few $$ towards Radical Mentoring now & then! 🙂
I guess the way I look at it, my home church and my tithe to them equates to the Levites of the OT, and with all the other organizations, I attempt to become a little more like Jesus in the NT, by giving some more away. God knows I’ll never make it to where I wish I could be, but I do try, a little at a time. I am in total agreement that a tithe is not enough.
Thank you! Good stuff. I agree with many of the comments as well.
I agree with your comment. I do feel like tithing is the start. There are so many Christians who are not giving a tenth of their increase that we still need more teaching on the tenth of the tithe. I say, we still have more work to do in the area of giving as a whole and giving a tenth as start. It’s all about meeting people where they are, loving them through it and then we can go to the meat of the Word – giving beyond just the required.
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
I hear a lot of “a tenth” is a good place to start when really that statement is made out of fear of not being blessed rather than a cheerful heart of giving.
The tithe has been so embedded into our thinking that we still use that number as a benchmark.
We can say yes… i agree with this post and then turn around and say….but im still giving 10%.
My question is why?
Are we not the temples of the Holy Spirit?
And are we not to be led by the Spirit?
And is the Spirit not like the wind….we know not where it comes from or where it’s going.
If that be the case then how can we really plan anything?
There are those that would say that maturity can be demonstrated in careful planning…as in careful planning of my giving to God.
Is this true? When i say I’m automatically giving ten percent and then i”ll go from there…or 5% or 15%.
Who made that decision. You….or God?
There are those from the school of thought that if you fail to plan then you plan to fail.
I however think that spiritual maturity comes not by careful planning but by being led moment by moment by the Holy Spirit.
How else can we live by faith?
Is it living by faith to put a careful giving program in place even if its for a good cause just so i can feel at peace at knowing i gave at least 10%.
Or is it more living by faith when I let the Lord decide when, where and how much I give?
We are right when we say God owns all of us but our planning often reminds him that we’re in control and not him.
And many will stand before me and say…Lord we did this and that in your name and He will say to them…”Depart from ye worker of iniquity….I never knew you. (paraphrase) Matt 7:22
I’m not trying to put down anyone here….all I’m saying is that more often than not we say things and do things because it sounds good or is the right thing to do and we haven’t even asked God’s opinion on the matter because in our pride we assume it’s ok with him just because it’s a good moral act and really not an act of love or obedience to him.
There are many preachers who use tithing in the bible to lacerate believers into a fear based life. They thump the bible when it’s time for the offering.The problem is this: they do NOT RECEIVE the offerings, They TAKE them with the tool of fear with bible scriptures around it. There are lots of Christians that worship tithing and are meaner than a junkyard dog. Instead of being a brother or sister, you are viewed as a “Tither”. Paul said this: As everyone purposes in his OWN heart, so let him give, NOT Grudgingly or of Necessity. Why? Because God LOVES a CHEERFUL Giver. The KEY is giving from a Willingness with an attitude of gratitude. When you are WILLING and obedient you will eat the good of the land. See Isaiah 1:19
The widow Jesus talked about in the Gospels gave more than all who cast money in the offering box. Why? They gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her dire need…ALL that she had. When you fall in love with Jesus your heart and hand is always open with a willingness to give all.
The widow Jesus talked about in the Gospels gave more than all who cast money in the offering box. Why? They gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her dire need…ALL that she had. When you fall in love with Jesus your heart and hand is always open with a willingness to give all.