IS TITHING A MATTER OF THE HEART OR COMPULSORY? (PART ONE)




Tithing has been a major debatable issue amongst the populace especially Christians, as many express the belief that tithing was only done in the Old Testament and thus it shouldn't be a part of a believer's life. This makes me often wonder: Whether tithing is restricted to the Old Testament or not, is the practice of tithing such a bad thing for today's believer? Let's dive in and look at what the Bible has to say about tithing and more importantly, our heart.

Firstly, Tithing is a Matter of the Heart
First, let's look at the definition and purpose of the tithe. The main principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping that money for ourselves, it shows that our heart isn't tied to our money and that we love God more than our money.
The Bible mentions money over 800 times and of all of Jesus' parables, more than half of them talked about money. Why? Because that is where so many people get tripped up! When we are able to release at least 10% of our income back to God, our money doesn't have as tight of a hold on us because we realize that God is in control of our finances. We remember that everything we have has been given to us by Him. Even though most of us probably work for the money we make each month, even God has his hand there - He has given us the ability to do our jobs. Many who grasp what God has truly given them seem to agree that 10% doesn't even feel like enough!

Secondly, Is Tithing Mandatory?
Do God's standards really keep us in bondage? Just like God tells us to keep sex within marriage, to love one another and to seek first His kingdom, tithing is a blessing to our lives and something that will help better our lives (as well as help the lives of others). We are not saved by works, thus failing to tithe will not necessarily send you to hell, but doing so will help improve your life and strengthen your relationship with God. I personally don't believe that God will curse us if we don't tithe, but I do believe He will help us escape the curse that is already in the world if we do. I also understand that there may be some church leaders who try to guilt and coerce people into giving, but studies show there are plenty of church leaders honoring God in this area -- the majority of them want to share God's best with the people they love and have been tasked to lead.

Thirdly, Old Testament vs. New Testament Tithing Practices
Whether the tithe is only for Old Testament or if it is also included in the New Testament is probably the most debated issue. The scripture most frequently referenced regarding the tithe is indeed in the Old Testament (Malachi 3:10-12), but the tithe is also referenced in the New Testament. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus talks to the Pharisees, condemning them for tithing to the penny but neglecting the more important issues of justice, mercy and faith.  He then goes on to tell them that they should in fact tithe, but that they shouldn't neglect the more important things. Jesus recognized the importance of keeping the tithe and we should, too.

There are many practices in the Old Testament that don't make sense to us today, yet many of these ancient ways carry over to the New Testament law of grace as part of Christ's promise to not abolish the law, but to fulfill it ( Matthew 5:17 ). For instance we no longer sacrifice animals but as believers we are called to offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Men no longer are required to be circumcised, but we all have a circumcision of the heart through the Holy Spirit (Rom 2:29). Most of us don't have grain and produce to bring to the storehouse, but we do have incomes that we can bring the first tenth of into the church. In other words, just because something is written in the Old Testament doesn't mean it lacks application to us today in some way or another. 

While it is true that we are no longer under the old law, that we are under grace, we must not forget the purpose of grace: to help us live for God and do the things He wants us to do. Romans 8:4 tells us that Jesus came that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, not so that we could altogether dismiss it. And Romans 3:21-31 talks about how we have righteousness through faith and not through following the law, but verse 31 adds "Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." God's grace gives us the power and ability to tithe!

#LarrysThoughts

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How I Wish I could Control The Clock

Tick Tock... Tick Tock... Life is counting down on your internal clock. Memories that feel as if they occurred yesterday, turn to flashes of moments that seem to fade away. People you once knew, walk by without a clue. The times you once shared, exist as if you were never there. . Years fly...friends die... and you never know when you'll say your last goodbye. Oh, how I wish I could turn back time, spend it with loved ones and cherish what once was mine. Or to go back even more, being a kid in a candy store. How I miss the way I used to feel, on Christmas day when Santa was real. But back to reality...back to today, family is scarce and memories continue to fade away. Tick tock...tick tock... How I wish I could control this clock.
Read more

SUICIDE BY SNIPER: A POPULAR CHOICE AMONG NIGERIANS - (PART ONE)

He inhaled deeply and loudly, as if trying to savour the freshness of the dusky air. He held a small white plastic bottle with his left hand and a camera device understood to be his phone, with his right hand, to capture the epic moment. It was barely evening. The yellow sun — seemingly not scorching — filtered through the bamboo trees behind him, playing on the dry leaves on which he sat. Depressed, he looked downward, then upward. He stared ahead. His eyes rolled sideways, seemingly forcing back some sordid tears, some prickly reflections. Suddenly, he accompanied the white bottle mouthwards. And in two gulps, he emptied it down his bowel. It was a Sunday in the month of February, a day when believers were expected to be in God’s presence, worshipping. However, Victor Oladimeji wouldn't attend church service like he used to. He preferred to be alone under the bamboo shed in a nearby bush. He appeared to have a much bigger task at hand; bidding this mundane world a go...
Read more

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION (PART ONE)

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home. Quick Facts About Depression Depression seems to be more common among women than men. Symptoms include lack of joy and reduced interest in things that used to bring a person happiness. Life events, such as bereavement, produce mood changes that can usually be distinguished from the features of depression. The causes of depression are not fully understood but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors. ·       ...
Read more