
Last year in this blog I discussed the theological aspects of tithing (read them here and here if you missed them). 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 addresses 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 a 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) The question is whether you got the faith to set aside a tithe as small as 10% of 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 than 10% of your 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.
If this content was useful to you, please consider leaving your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. It would be a great encouragement to me personally.
Then the Lord said put me into test, I therefore did exactly that the Lord has been so good to me. I’m so grateful. Oh Lord, thank you for the test we’ve put you through for you have remained God indeed!
God bless you man of God. Please, can my refusal or unfaithfulness in tithing prevent me from going to heaven? Also can I give more than the 10% and what does the bible say about that? Thank you.
Dear Pastor, I have copied some sermons but rest assured that you will be given credit. Our church leader commissioned six of us to go to our local churches and preach about giving because the support of our 50 pastors in our district was not enough for the last few months. I am a teacher and I don’t have much time to prepare a message because of my work. I praise God of being able to visit your website. My time in preparing is now lessened. Thank you so much and God bless your ministry.
I have another pastor who works a daily job, when I told him I was fighting with God to touch the heart of the people so they can pay there tithe, so that the church can afford it’s rent, he got very angry and side is because I don’t want to contribute my that is why am saying so. my question is,when I said am fighting with God should that offend someone secondly should only the pastor carry the responsibility of the church without support from members? Katie