Tithing
Why tithe?
This is a very good question, one that all of us should ask. I think the answer to this question has a direct impact on how we see and experience God in our lives. Just to be clear, what I don’t mean by this question is whether or not tithing is part of the New Testament experience (which Biblically I believe that it is). What I am more interested in is us asking this question of ourselves, why do I tithe?
Is it because it’s just what I’ve been told to do?
Is it because I want God’s blessing?
Is it because I feel like it’s my way of contributing to cover the church’s expenses?
There might be many different answers to that question, but I want to take a minute to look at one of the clearest passages in Scripture that talk about tithing. Yep, you guessed it – the old Malachi 3:10. Now, let’s be careful not to think that just because a passage of Scripture might be a cliché that it somehow loses its power. John 3:16 is arguably the most overused passage in the Bible but it is still as powerful and significant today as it was when Jesus said it 2,000 years ago. But, I digress, let’s get back to Malachi 3:10 and see what it is saying…
“Bring the full tithe” – Full as in total participation both individually and collectively
“into the storehouse” – The local church
“that there may be food in my house” – God’s primary purpose of the tithe is for the funding of the local church
“put me to the test says the LORD of hosts” – Go invites us to trust him and watch what he’ll do next.
“I will open the windows of heaven and pour down such blessing there will be no room to store it” – God will bless us when we trust and obey him.
So, in essence what we can correctly surmise is that God is asking all believers to participate in tithing so that the church is well resourced to do what it’s called to do. When this happens, God pours His blessing out immeasurably.
So, back to the original question, why tithe? Here’s my personal response:
I give because God invites me to. Obedience is my response to God’s love.
I give because I love the church and want to see “food in God’s house”
I give because I have an opportunity to trust God at His word that he will bless me.
And in THAT order!
So, let me now ask you that question personally… why do you tithe?