Christian Tithing

It had been my intention to add this post much earlier in the week. However, a number of reasons conspired to stop me from doing so! The trigger was an article that suggested that the practice of tithing (giving 10% of one’s income to the Lord’s work) is not one that Christians should follow, because there is no direct command, in the New Testament, for them to do so; and then the topic was raised at last night’s meeting of my Home Group.

It is certainly true that there is no direct command for Christians to tithe. The only such command of which I am aware is in Matt 23:23. "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (NLT) However, whilst this may be interpreted as applying only to the scribes and the Pharisees to whom Jesus was directing the words, it could be argued that we don’t conclude from the fact that He said “You must be born again” only to Nicodemus (John 3:7), that this need doesn’t apply to us all!

What I would suggest is that there are certain principles set out in the pages of the New Testament, that make it clear that the Christian should not only tithe, but go beyond the tithe!

Speaking in what is usually referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount”, Jesus says to His disciples: "But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matt 5:20, NLT). Now, as the previous quotation makes clear, these people certainly kept the law of tithing so, it would appear that Jesus expects His followers to give more than 10% the tithe! Immediately before this, Jesus makes another profound statement: "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven." (5:17-19) As tithing was an integral part of that law, it would seem that the Lord Jesus didn't provide any warrant for abandoning the practice!

Mark records another well-known incident: "Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she ... has given everything she had to live on." (12:43-44, NLT)

Paul, writing to the Corinthian church has this to say: "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.' And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.’ For God is the one Who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." (II Cor 9:6-10, N.L.T.)

So, it seems to me that the appropriate action for the Christian is to tithe – not merely as the obedient response to a command, but as an expression of love – and then to give as much more as is possible without causing suffering to others, e.g. one’s immediate family. Of course, that’s merely my own opinion!!