J Landon’s articleBeing a Christian and Tithing…How Much Money and Where to Donate is an excellent example of giving an offering in the name of God. However, tithing is a different matter. It is not an option; it’s as important as ‘thou shalt not kill’.
Scores of Christians do not give to their local churches because of abuse. Well, the pastor has a gambling problem, or the church can’t manage their finances – or whatever. So, are the givers giving to God, or to the church? Christians should be giving to God who will still bless them no matter what happens with the money after the offering plate goes by.
To be fully understood, true biblical tithing can only be defined from its source. What does the Bible really say about tithing? The language of the times has a ton to do with understanding the meaning.
Tithes – a tenth.
Storehouse – in the Hebrew language (for the specific verse below) is owtsar meaning: depository – armory, garner, store.
The idea of the storehouse here is the place where the giver receives his or her spiritual teaching. Notice in the definition, the word ‘depository’ connected by a hyphen with ‘armory’. Money comes in to the church to go back out again fighting the good fight of faith.
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
Also notice that the verse above says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…”. It doesn’t say give what you can, or give when you want. The person who seeks God with their whole heart has the faith enough to believe that God will honor the tithe.
Modern Day Thieves?
The person who does not give the full 10% robs God. In Malachi 3:8 God is speaking: “Yet you are robbing me”. Look also at the last sentence of the verse, “In your tithes and contributions.”
- If contributions to charitable organizations were considered a tithe, there would be no need to say it twice in one sentence.
Malachi 3:8
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.
Another aspect that I liked about Mr. Landon’s article was that he said, “…tithing should be a heartfelt thing that you want to do.” God agrees with this in the Bible where it is written, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). If you’re going to whine at any amount, God says don’t give it.
So let’s say something is sold on Ebay for $100.00. Giving $10.00 to the church or ministry, or corner Bible study that the recipient attends is giving a tithe. And honestly, that’s not a lot. So on the way home, you see a homeless guy and buy him dinner – that’s an offering.
The Benefits of Tithing
Whether it is believed or not – it’s true. God pays his people back more than the measly ten per cent they give. A common saying in tithing circles is that “you can’t out-give God.” Here’s what He says in the Bible that he’ll do for you if you tithe:
• Meat in God’s house
• Open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings
• Rebuke the devourer
• Recognized by all men as blessed by God
Try it. Numerous people who tithe have “unbelievable” stories to which they give
tithing to God the credit. Surrounded of course, by skeptics who claim, “It would have happened anyway,” or “that was because John gave you that car.” But, there’s no way to prove that God did not touch the heart of John to give the car in the first place.
A Bit Archaic?
Many people think that what is written in the Bible was intended for a different time than the present. But, careful reading reveals that human nature has not changed in thousands of years. From Genesis to Revelation there are accounts of rape, murder, incest, envy, greed, love, romance, parties, and more. People are people. If that’s not concrete enough, then Hebrews 13:8 could have been left out of the Bible. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” And if he’s the same – so is his word, the Bible.
No Punishment
The great thing about God in this matter is that he gives Christians a choice, as He does in everything. We can choose to believe in Him or not. We can choose to tithe or not. There is no punishment for not tithing, but the rewards of tithing listed above will not be put in to action, resulting in a life of lack.
Yes, there are plenty of people out there with tons of money who don’t tithe, Christians and non-believers alike. There are a thousand arguments surrounding this Biblical issue, but there’s no need to “fix” what’s not broken. It’s not meant to be complicated. It’s simple – give and it shall be given unto you.
