Last year in this blog I discussed the theological aspects of tithing (read them here and here if you missed). As those discussions went viral a small number of visitors expressed their feedback in favor of the practice while others charged me with falsehood.  Nevertheless, the truth must be taught and defended at all costs. So here I am opening the can of worms again. By the way, this article is intended for those who are in favor of tithing. If you are not in favor please leave without flooding my comment section with foolish arguments.

Now, most teachings about tithing are from Malachi 3:8-12. The bulk of these teachings address the blessings of tithing and the curse of not, which isn’t wrong. It’s noteworthy however sometimes preachers overemphasize the theological reasons for tithing and neglect the practical reasons. So today I am going to note down 3 such reasons for tithing.

1. Tithing Puts Food on the Table

Yes. Tithing enables the pastor and his staff to support their families and put food on the table. It’s the most basic reason behind the Lord’s command for tithing. (Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house – NIV) You might argue the pastor must consider a day job. I suggest you read 1 Corinthians 9:14 and 1 Timothy 5:18. Besides, trust me, compared to pastorate being employed with a day job is a luxury. Most people don’t have the slightest idea of how difficult being a pastor could get because they have never been there.

Some people think the pastor must live by faith. He is living by faith indeed. He wouldn’t sign up for a risky assignment such as pastorate if he didn’t. (Most of the pastors I know are former software engineers, architects, civil engineers, doctors and the list is endless) Question is whether you got faith to set aside a tithe as small as 10% from your monthly income.

2. Tithing Helps to Meet the ends

The local church is not completely exempt from paying for electricity, running water, telephone, internet, rent, website, maintenance etc. Building materials and labor are costly. (unless you want to gather in the post office every Sunday until the Lord returns.) Even the doormat at the entrance isn’t free. Someone has to pay for these and your tithe plays a major role in meeting the ends.

3. Tithing Means Systematic giving

Finally, tithing enables you to give systematically – in a timely fashion, (1 Corinthians 16:2).  Since you are giving in keeping with the income it helps to slowly develop a discipline of giving from the ground up. Tithing makes giving consistent too. Although you are always welcome to give more 10% of the entire income is a good place to start with. Think of it as an experiment in the area of divine provision, (“Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not…”).

Conclusion

Friends, what I have presented here are not arguments but facts. There are many people who teach and preach lies such as “tithing was a thing of the Old Testament law”. The practical reasons I outlined above, however, remind us that tithing is much more than a command (or the pastor robbing the congregation as some like to say it). If you have any questions or suggestions and you are sincere in your asking please feel free to leave a comment. No offense, but comments not in favor of this article shall find their rightful place in the trash to avoid confusion in the community.

Image Credit: 401(K) 2013