A TIMELESS ACT OF OBEDIENCE ..

A Discussion From a Christian Perspective

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Give it up to our new Contributor in the house, Miracle Lidetu! We're very much honored to have her share with us this first post of the year.

More details about her will be coming up in the newsletter soon.

Thanks

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Just a few days ago, Thanksgiving was celebrated—one of those moments when people come together to show gratitude for the fortunes they've experienced in their lives over the course of the year. Many people posted and discussed this. But today, we won't talk about Thanksgiving; rather, we will focus on a closely related subject that seems to have quickly slipped through our fingers.

Tithing has long been a cornerstone spiritual discipline, sparking diverse opinions and debates among Christians. For some, it is a practice deeply rooted in Old Testament law, seemingly relegated to the annals of history. However, viewing tithing solely as an obsolete command overlooks its profound spiritual implications. At its core, tithing is far more than a transactional act; it is a declaration of trust, worship, and allegiance to God. In the New Testament, tithing is recontextualized. While the legalistic mandate fades, its principles—faith, generosity, and stewardship—remain relevant. This evolution challenges believers to view tithing not as a rigid obligation but as a relational act of love and gratitude toward God. Exploring the New Testament's perspective reveals a continuity of purpose: to honor God as the ultimate provider and to invest in His kingdom.

Rooted in a Faith Preceding the Law of Moses

One of the most compelling arguments for the timeless relevance of tithing is that it predates the Mosaic Law. The earliest biblical reference to tithing is found in Genesis 14:18-20, where Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. This act was not commanded by law but was a voluntary expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Abraham’s tithe highlights that tithing is not merely a legal obligation but an act of worship and faith.

Similarly, Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, pledged to give a tenth of all that he received from God (Genesis 28:20-22). His vow reflected his recognition of God's lordship and his desire to honor Him with a portion of his resources. These examples indicate that tithing was understood as an inherent response to God's blessings long before it was formalized in the Mosaic Law. This continuity reinforces the idea that tithing is a principle rooted in God's eternal character, not just a temporary regulation.

Jesus and Tithing

What Jesus taught breathes new life into the practice of tithing, framing it as a heart-centered act rather than a mere rule to follow. In Matthew 23:23, He directly addresses the Pharisees, who meticulously tithe even the smallest garden herbs but neglect "the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness." This rebuke reveals two essential truths. First, Jesus affirms the validity of tithing, stating, “You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.” Second, He places tithing within a larger moral framework, emphasizing that it must flow from a heart aligned with God’s values. For Jesus, tithing is not an isolated religious duty but an outward expression of an inward commitment to God’s priorities.

Furthermore, Jesus frequently taught about the dangers of materialism and the need to prioritize eternal treasures. In Matthew 6:19-21, He exhorts His followers to "store up treasures in heaven" rather than amass wealth on earth. Tithing becomes a practical embodiment of this teaching, helping believers resist the pull of greed and redirect their focus to God’s eternal purposes. By surrendering a portion of their resources, Christians demonstrate obedience and trust in God’s provision and reaffirm their commitment to His kingdom.

The Motivation for Generosity in the Early Church

The book of Acts offers a vivid portrayal of radical generosity within the early Christian community. Acts 4:32-35 describes a spirit of unity and selflessness: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

Although this passage does not explicitly mention tithing, it reflects the same principles. The early church’s generosity was not born of compulsion but of a deep love for God and each other. Their willingness to share their possessions, even to the point of selling land and houses, underscores a commitment to prioritizing God’s work above personal wealth.

This communal giving aligns with the heart of tithing: acknowledging in obedience that all we have comes from God and using our resources to bless others. The early church’s example challenges modern believers to move beyond the minimum and embrace a lifestyle of sacrificial generosity.

Apostle Paul on Giving

The Apostle Paul offers profound insights into the principles of giving, emphasizing the spirit behind the act rather than a fixed percentage. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, he writes, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Paul’s teaching shifts the focus from obligation to intentionality. While he does not prescribe a specific tithe, his words resonate with the spirit of tithing as a disciplined, joyful act of worship. For Paul, the measure of giving is not in the amount but in the attitude of the heart. This perspective encourages believers to use tithing as a foundation for cultivating generosity that extends beyond percentages.

Paul also addresses the practical purpose of giving. In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, he underscores the importance of supporting spiritual leaders: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” This directive echoes the Old Testament principle of bringing tithes into the storehouse, ensuring that church leaders have the resources needed to fulfill their calling. By tithing, believers contribute to the flourishing of the church and the advancement of its mission.

Tithing in the Context of Grace

A defining characteristic of New Testament teaching is the shift from legalism to grace. While the Mosaic Law prescribed tithing as a requirement, the New Testament invites believers to give as a response to God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

In this context, tithing is no longer about earning God’s favor but about expressing gratitude for His unmerited blessings. It is a relational act, born out of love and trust, rather than fear or obligation. This grace-based approach transforms tithing from a ritual into a joyful declaration of faith.

Moreover, grace liberates believers from a rigid, transactional mindset. Instead of viewing tithing as a legal duty, it becomes a Spirit-led act of worship, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Debunking Misconceptions on Christian Tithing

1) Transactional Act

A common misconception about tithing is that it functions as a transaction—giving to God in exchange for blessings. While Malachi 3:10 does promise that God will "open the windows of heaven" for those who tithe faithfully, this should not be interpreted as a quid pro quo arrangement. The promise of blessings is a reflection of God's generosity, not a contract. Tithing must be an act of faith and obedience, not a strategy for financial gain.

The Apostle Paul underscores this principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, reminding believers that God loves a cheerful giver. This passage shifts the focus from obligation to the condition of the giver's heart. Tithing should be a joyful acknowledgment of God's provision, motivated by love and reverence rather than the expectation of material returns.

2) Flexible and Adjustable in Percentage

Another misunderstanding is that the percentage of the tithe can be adjusted based on personal preference. While generosity beyond the tithe is encouraged, the tithe itself is consistently defined in Scripture as one-tenth of one's income or increase (Leviticus 27:30). This specific percentage reflects God's claim over the first and best of what we receive, symbolizing our acknowledgment of Him as the source of all blessings.

In Proverbs 3:9-10, believers are exhorted to "honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops." This principle of giving the first and best underscores the discipline of prioritizing God in our financial decisions. The exact percentage—10%—serves as a tangible reminder of God's ownership and our stewardship.

3) Redirect-able to Other Personal Causes at will

Some argue that tithes can be allocated to charitable causes or personal projects rather than given to the church or spiritual leaders. While acts of charity are commendable and encouraged in Scripture (James 1:27), they are distinct from the tithe. Malachi 3:10 instructs believers to bring the full tithe into the storehouse—a term historically associated with the temple and, by extension, the church. This command underscores the importance of supporting the spiritual leaders and institutions responsible for nurturing believers' faith.

In the New Testament, Paul reiterates this principle in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of "double honor," including financial support. By tithing to the church, believers ensure that their pastors and spiritual leaders have the resources they need to fulfill their calling effectively. Redirecting tithes to other causes undermines this biblical mandate and blurs the line between tithing and charitable giving.

4) Tithing is no longer necessary because the New Testament focuses on grace.

While grace is central to the New Testament, it does not negate the principles of stewardship and generosity. Tithing serves as a practical framework for aligning finances with faith, helping believers develop habits of obedience and trust.

5) Tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, so it’s optional.

Although the New Testament does not reiterate the command to tithe, it affirms the principles underlying the practice. Jesus and Paul consistently emphasized the importance of giving as an expression of faith, making tithing a valuable guideline for modern believers.

6)Tithing is a burden, not a blessing.

This view overlooks the spiritual benefits of tithing. By prioritizing God in our finances, we grow in faith and experience the joy of partnering with Him. Malachi 3:10’s promise of blessings still resonates with those who tithe faithfully, as God honors our trust in Him.

The Heart of Tithing

Ultimately, tithing is not about money—it’s about the heart. It is a practice that challenges us to prioritize God, trust His provision, and invest in His kingdom. In a world consumed by materialism, tithing stands as a countercultural act of faith, fostering dependence on God and a spirit of generosity.

By giving faithfully and cheerfully, we align ourselves with God’s principles, honor His lordship, and participate in His transformative work in our lives and communities. In doing so, we discover that tithing is not a loss but a profound gain—a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing the blessings of living in alignment with His will through obedience.

Thanks for reading.