Most people simply don’t understand tithing.
To many Christians, it seems like some sort of country club due. Another bill in the long list of monthly expenses.
Giving is supposed to be an act of worship that draws you closer to the heart of God.
Then why is it that the concept of tithing, giving the first 10 percent of one’s income, has become so divisive in the church?
Christians debate questions like:
Is tithing still even required? Wasn’t it an Old Testament law? Didn’t Christ abolish the law with His death and resurrection?
Should I tithe off the gross or net of my income?
Does God really expect me to tithe if I’m struggling in my personal finances?
I “tithe” my time to the church. Isn’t that enough?
These questions all have the same recurring theme—what’s the least I can give and still receive God’s blessings.
When you debate these questions, you totally miss the point.
Biblical generosity isn’t about giving the minimum. It’s about surrendering it all to an all-powerful, all-loving God. A God who gave everything in his son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Randy Alcorn said it best: “Giving affirms Christ’s lordship. It dethrones me and exalts Him.”
Bull’s-eye.
I used to write checks to my church that looked like this: $112.14.
To the penny. Nothing more. Nothing less.
“There’s my 10 percent God. Hopefully that’ll cover the upkeep in Heaven until my next paycheck. Now bless me.”
I didn’t get it.
God didn’t need my money.
