| The concept of
tithing has been embraced by most, if not all, Christian churches as a
yardstick and rule for giving to the churches. It focuses in giving a tenth of the first fruits that one receives through the fruits of one's labor as belonging to God and his church with the rest belonging to the laborer. It establishes a principle of sowing into the kingdom of God and reaping 30, 60, and 100 fold as a reward. It supports the work of the church and supplies the income needed for the minister and his ministry. It helps the giver trust in God to maintain a commitment to giving and loosens the stranglehold of money over the giver. Given all the benefits of tithing, is this the will of God for the new testament church? Tithing is a part of the old covenant. It is part of the law. To look to the law either brings condemnation for by the law is the knowledge of sin or it brings conceit, anxiety or complacency. The letter of the law kills. The Spirit gives life. For those who don't tithe in a tithing church, it brings condemnation. To those who do, the question of what God would have them give is seldom asked. It becomes routine. What begins as an act of faith becomes an habitual rule. The church that begins as a faith-based body of believers becomes an organization and a business collecting a salary. Tithing which begins as an act of faith becomes legalism. Those that are led by the Spirit of God are no longer under the law. Love guides. Tithing is a part of the law. To the rich young ruler, Jesus did not ask for ten percent, he asked for everything. The thrust of the church should be directed to getting people Spirit-filled and Spirit-led, not to law in any form. The law ultimately kills and brings death. Tithing at most is a standard or guide, not a rule to be followed categorically. Tithing ultimately drives the Spirit out of the church. The principle in the new testament for giving is, "he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly. He who sows abundantly shall reap abundantly. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity." (2Co9:6-7) A tithe might be what a man purposes in his heart, and again, it might not. It can be a necessity laid upon him given the teaching of the church. It may become an obligation not a cheerful giving. It may be given with no purpose in the heart or consideration of what the actual needs of the church might be. Being led by the Spirit and love is the new testament principle that applies to giving. It keeps the church acting and responding by faith not by law. Amen. |