Recently the topic of tithing came up in conversation, and I have observed the subject of giving often produces strong responses: some want to be told how much they should give whilst others are opposed to any input concerning the management of their finances. Since Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law, commands to tithe (which means "tenth") in the Old Testament are not in themselves compulsory--though they do reveal giving with intent to honour God who gives us all things to enjoy is proper and good. Some breathe a sigh of relief, content to give when they feel like doing so or are able to afford it. Such prefer to exercise their liberty to withhold from giving. Instead of asking how much we are obligated to give, it is better to examine our hearts to see if we are giving in a godly way. Why we give is more important than what we give, for God looks upon the heart.
I read a timeless principle in the Bible Christians ought to take to heart in Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honour
the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 so your barns will
be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new
wine." As God's people, it is our responsibility and privilege to honour God with our possessions and with the firstfruits of all our increase. This proverb was written in a season when the Law of Moses required the Jews to bring the best of their firstfruits and tithes to the house of the LORD where the priests and Levites served, and a portion of the offerings brought was used given to support the people who ministered unto the LORD. The principle remains whenever there is increase, a portion of what comes in was to be set aside and given to honour God. God's people are to give, not with the aim of gain, but as a response to what God has already given! There can be people who give religiously tinged with greed, hoping their gifts curry favour for increased gain from Him. This passage affirms God's people will not be impoverished by obedience to God, for He looks favourably upon those who are good stewards of His gracious gifts.
Whether our giving is on a annual, weekly, daily or case by case basis as led by the Holy Spirit, God loves a cheerful giver. Paul shows the attitude we all ought to have in giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart,
not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." In all the gain God provides, we ought to prayerfully consider how we can honour God directly with a portion of it, whether it be to distribute money to a a church, Christian ministry or organisation, to needy people in the name of Jesus. If we view giving as burdensome, it is interesting we do not feel the same concerning receiving a raise or when extra money comes our way. If we rejoice to receive more from God, where is our delight in having capacity to honour God more by giving? I confess giving has not always felt like a privilege to me; at times it felt painful! Over time the LORD gently showed me my affections were misplaced, as I was more focused on what I could do with money given to God rather than rejoicing in His generous gifts already received. Giving is a spiritual discipling Christians are called to learn and grow in. Blessed is the one who trusts God and gives freely with no strings attached, for this causes thanksgiving to abound to God.
Consider this: subjects in old times would not consider appearing before their king empty handed, similar to Australia where it is customary to bring a gift when visiting friends for a meal. For the sake of good manners people bring a little something to contribute and bless their host--with a little chocolate, drinks, dessert, or side dish that can be enjoyed by all. If we feel awkward to go to the house of a friend without bringing a gift to show our appreciation for them, where is our sense of obligation to bring something to give to the LORD when we go to a church building dedicated for the honour and worship of God? Our friendly and generous host may urge us not to bring a thing, but we delight to do so anyway! God does not demand any gift from our hand, no percentage of our income or firstfruits: but He does love a cheerful giver. All we have to live on and enjoy is a gift from God's hand, and we are richly blessed to be able to honour Him with all our increase.
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