How about tithing nowadays?

I used to tithe...faithfully. I felt bad if I didn't. Then, I really began to examine the scriptures, and I saw that tithing is about on the same lines as circumcision - law. Now, I simply do what the NT tells me to do - give cheerfully, as I purpose in my own heart. My amount of giving has not really changed - although it's not necessarily systematic, it is much more ad hoc. But, I enjoy giving much more, and truly get to put my money where I believe God is moving and blessing.

Just a suggestion, but try a search on "Tithing" here, recall quite a few discussions on this.

I wonder if you feel that if tithing were renforced people would give more. Well, you then have something like our taxes, to which we all contribute - much more than a tenth of our income. If all of us could do with all our money what we really wanted to without any obligation from anyone - what would we do with it. That would be the test of our heart - our generosity, our trust in God to provide, our view of money.... and ultimately the genuineness of our faith. Diane

I like John Wesley's philosophy of giving: earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can. Earn all you can- Idleness is the enemy of the soul, and we have much better things to do than just sit around and do nothing. Being that we are heavenly minded people, we need to make all the money we can.Save all you can- Don't flush your money down the toilet on a ton of frivolous luxuries (though that's not to say it's wrong to have any). Spend your money prayerfully, buying what you need for you and your family, some creature comforts, then save the rest.Give all you can- Being that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, and the love of money is the root of all evil, you are better off giving away whatever you don't need for yourself away to those in need, starting with the saints first, and then afterwards taking care of the heathen. In doing such you show your trust in the providence of God, and instead of simply stuffing your barns full, you empty them believing God will take care of your need should anything else arise. You will also save yourself many troubles.Very challenging! And Mr Wesley preached on this not a few times. He was very vocal about it. And he practiced it. He later lamented that he did not make this a required rule for the Methodist societies. He was always giving money away. According to Ravenhill, Wesley could've been a millionare had he kept all the money that came his way over his life, yet he died nearly broke. I wish I could be more like Wesley in this regard.

Hello...I still believe in tithing (please -- don't throw stones!). Its not that I believe that it is necessarily obligatory, but I believe that it is a good concept as set by Scripture. It is true that the New Testament does not identify the "tenth" as does the Old Testament. However, there are several verses that support laying aside a certain amount of money each week (according to one's income) and cheerfully giving that money for the Lord's work. Matthew 17:24-27Luke 20:251 Corinthians 9:13-141 Corinthians 16:1-21 Corinthians 9:15-222 Corinthians 2:17Malachi 3:8-12Leviticus 27:30I would never pass judgment on those that do not believe in tithing. In fact, I believe that it is sinful to judge those that do not or are unable to give. I also believe that modern society often associates a "tithe" with money. If you study the concept, you will find that it was not inclusive of "money." It included produce, products, service and labor. I believe that, when I give, I shouldn't "let my left hand know what my right hand is doing." I believe that our attitude should be to give "expecting nothing in return."I definitely do not believe in the legalistic "pay your tithe" type of concept. I also don't believe that I must be limited to the tenth either. The sad thing is that many modern believers feel that if they give their tithe -- they will be financially blessed and never struggle with income. How sad. I imagine that Paul was a definite "giver." But he also hungered (I Corinthians 4:101-13). It is both sad and amazing how this idea has crept into even non-prosperity churches. But I also believe that my bank account does not belong to me. It is on loan from the Lord. I have noticed that the Lord has sustained me -- even when I have given out of incredible need. :-(

The hungry bloated stomachs in Haiti for instance, unfortunately are not hit & miss but instead “systematically” require nutrition and this indeed does require financial support. How great it would be if the natural gas company in these parts would not be so systematic in reading my meter and sending me a bill, would be great!!!I understand the reaction against tithing for some, I remember years ago at a particular large inter-city Church. The Pastor and staff would drive up in new Sedan Deville’s and land in their reserved parking near the front door. Might not have bothered me so much had this been in an affluent suburban area, but in a financially depressed area with a good number of the congregation on food stamps, you get my point? In my estimation this was a legitimate concern, but I want to be cautious that I do not overcorrect in my reaction to abuses, and we all know and have heard of these abuses. And just as we don’t hear much of heroic honest deeds of citizens on ABC World News tonight but rather the negative, as well we don’t often hear of the faithful stewardship in regards to I think the majority of Churches as it pertains to finances. At the end of the day, the same door that we enter through, is the same door that is available to us to exit through should we find abuses. And the words “enforced tithing”, in my mind would be akin to “enforced” patience, or enforced love, or enforced humility etc….. No, we give because we love, we love because we give, we give to be obedient to the Word, we give to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked. Certainly God does not need our finances, but how do we live w/o His blessing that is associated with giving? And, having said that…… It is true, there are Churches that require a “record” of giving before they will allow you a position in the Church. And what you end up with are a few key people in leadership positions in a Church who know all the giving habits of all the parishioners, and how does this play out in their interaction and attitude towards those who are not giving as “required”? Surely it is time we put in place some safeguards., for men love to have control. Although we call it Spiritual Authority.I am for tithing, and I am for giving above that with offerings. And I really sense that many others feel the same way. They simply don’t want others “all up in our business.” I have advocated for a long time that Churches use completely independent third party accounting firms to handle the finances. As it is now, I say give anonymously with cash. Certainly God we can be sure is keeping real good records, and it is His blessings we need, it is His Windows of Heaven we need to be opened unto us, whether or not we have the blessing of a Church or not. It has been well established here and elsewhere that tithing was in existence long before God ever gave the Law. A cursory reading of Acts we find that many gave everything they had to the work of God. How is it, that we could actually rob God, would be my question? Maybe the answer would be we rob God of His opportunity to demonstrate that He is a God who keeps His promises. A God who rebukes the devourer, a God who blesses a hilarious giver, a God who can entrust us with the true riches as we are faithful with worldly wealth.tonys

This by the Associated Press;The number of megachurches with weekly attendance of 2,000 or more doubled over the past five years. The nations megachurches which now number 1,210, draw nearly 4.4 million people a week and collect more than $7 BILLION a year in donations.

I found something I agree with KK on, so I have to post! :-P LOL!Anyway, I don't think that tithing 10% is a rule that is set forth in scripture as firmly as many would preach from the pulpit. This is mostly a "Law" concept. However, the New Testament does have a lot to say about giving, and, as many here have noted, it is usually talking about people giving a lot more than 10%. I think the SPIRIT that we give in is so important!! Are we giving to God or to be noticed by men? Are we giving our 10% because it is the least required of us or are we worshipping God through giving Him control of our wallets?That said, my husband and I DO tithe. The reason is that 10% is a good starting point and we know that giving regularly and happily is the key--not emotionally or hit-and-miss. I pray that we will listen to God and give more as He leads (we also support some missionaries now). As pointed out here, some churches really do take this too far. My parents helped to start a church, only to have to leave a couple years later because they wouldn't sign a statement saying that ALL of their tith would go to that particular church ALL time. That really saddened me, as my parents have got to be some of the most giving people I know! Of course, our church DOES keep track of who gives what for tax purposes, but that is between the secretary and the computer and us. My husband is on the church council this year, and he has been really impressed with the handling of the money, and has never had to look over how much people are giving. I have to say that through his position this year we have started to give more to our church as we have started to realize just how much money it takes to keep the place up and running. It takes somewhere around $100,000 a year for salaries, utilities, insurance, etc--and that doesn't even count outreaches, benevolence funds, Sunday School, Youth, special functions, etc, etc. And keep in mind that our church is only somewhere around 175 people or so.I like this thread. Money is always a tricky issue and seems to be linked more closely to our hearts than we realize. Phebe

By the way, I do have a question. There is a verse in Matthew 23: 23 that says "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of you spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you hve neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." (Jesus talking to the Pharisees, of course)Does this verse mean that Jesus IS saying that we should tithe ("you should have practiced the former (tithing) without neglecting the latter (justice, mercy, and faithfulness))? Maybe I'm wrong...Phebe

Hi Tony,I enjoyed your post. I am impressed that you are so wanting to give "without your right hand knowing what your left is doing" that you give completely anonymously. Now, there are churches out there that post records of giving and use it for purposed they shouldn't (see my other posts on this thread). However, I hope you realize that most keep a record (hence the offering envelopes) for tax purposes. If the governmnet is offering not to tax God's money then I think we should consider taking them up on it. Anyway, I think that most churches (well, mine anyway--maybe I shouldn't say MOST), keep track of giving as a service out of the goodness of their hearts and not for malicious purposes.Phebe

Does anyone remember what Christ said in response to the lawyer's question as to what were the greatest of commandments??Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength. IMHO, this includes [as the methodist credo goes] all of your time, treasures and talents. [Personally, I have tithed from the day that I discerned Jesus' desire for my gifts and I have never not been mightily blessed by our Lord. Again, it is not out of obligationbut of obedience to Gods will that I do this.]The second was Love your neighbor as you love yourself.When it comes to your money ... HOW do you show your love for your neighbor? Do you love enough to buy them the latest X-box / PSP or other electronic gadget when it comes out or a mocha latte' some morning on your way to work? Do you buy toys for the kids in the family down the street that is just scaping enough to put food on the table or pay the rent for the homeless family that is living out of their car? Your tithes do are not for OUR use but for God to bless to those who are in need. They bless us as we gift them to God for His stewards to use to His glory and honor. If your church is not glorifing and honoring God with their stewardship then immediately call them to task ... failing in that, shake the dust from your feet and find one that does. Yes, there are churches that allow their staff to abuse the gifts that are collected but they will have to answer to God for their selfishness, ingnorace of Jesus' commands and lack of stewardship.Again, if you cannot give cheerfully, then do not give, GOD does not want your obligatory castoffs. Remember the story of the widow and the pennies? She gave all that she had knowing that God would bless it and in her faith and love for God knew that He would not fail to supply her needs. Jesus called attention to this act of love because it was important, not to Him specifically but to the kingdom that was to come.One of Barna's surveys said last year that it would take 187 billion dollars to wipe our world hunger...and if the 'born-again Christians' of the USofA would actually 'tithe' they would raise 189 billion in one year!We are blessed by God with our personal talents and giftedness and blessed with the opportunity to earn a 'decent' wage not to bless ourselves but to bless others ... as Christ was given the power from His Father to come to deliver those he came in contact wit. All that He did while he was here on earth was to bring Honor and Glory to God. How many times does Jesus remind us that all of His power comes from God in His word?The cross was not about obligation to the Father ...it was the Joy of gifting us with eternal life with Him in heaven that put Jesus on the cross and held Him there. This was the greatest act of LOVE ever. Who/what are we worshipping when we do not Honor God with our obedience to His command to love our neighbors??? Where our treasure is... there too is our heart and our God.

I say give anonymously with cash. I think that it will come to this so as to avoid the "strings attatched". The time will come when the existing church will be a state church - government-controlled throuh incorporation, etc. This "unequally-yoked connection to the gov't is a compromose of allegiance. The tax deductions, may save money and encourage giving, but it may cost in the long run. The Spriit is not free to work, and the church is legally obligated to abide by gov't law (ex tolerance issues etc)Another issue on giving: Is giving to the church in order to improve or enlarge the building not really giving back to ourselves (which I don't object to). But we can assume that the building is synonomous with God. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. When it comes to your money ... HOW do you show your love for your neighbor? Do you love enough to buy them the latest X-box / PSP or other electronic gadget when it comes out or a mocha latte' some morning on your way to work? Do you buy toys for the kids in the family down the street that is just scaping enough to put food on the table or pay the rent for the homeless family that is living out of their car?This is the spirit of giving - though not a legititmate tax deduction. I believe that giving personally to those in need fosters accountablity and relationship and lets people see Christ. One of Barna's surveys said last year that it would take 187 billion dollars to wipe our world hunger...and if the 'born-again Christians' of the USofA would actually 'tithe' they would raise 189 billion in one yeaWow! No doubt many could give much more than ten percent, and some could give nothing, and some would be encouraged and strengthened by receiving.Diane

I heard Todd Friel (Way of the Master Radio www.wayofthemasterradio.com) talk about this once. He said under the law they had to give 10% (which all of you have said), but that wasn't considered anything to God, that anything they actually gave to the Lord as GIFTS (which is what we give today) was what they gave above 10%. So "tithing" wasn't really anything to feel good about.Now I have a question: In the OT they apportioned part of the people's giving for upkeep of the temple. You could use that to support what churches do today. But since there the new temple is our bodies, and the churches in the new testament were houses or public areas, should we be doing that today? Should our churches be built in such a way as to require our $$ for upkeep?As for what I think about tithing, the jury is still out in my heart.

Does this verse mean that Jesus IS saying that we should tithe ("you should have practiced the former (tithing) without neglecting the latter (justice, mercy, and faithfulness))? Maybe I'm wrong...Indeed, Jesus is telling the Pharisees in along with justice, mercy, and faithfulness, that they should practice tithing and the like. However, the Pharisees were majoring in tithing, when Jesus taught that the "weightier matters of the law" were not about tithing (a minor point in his eyes), but justice, mercy and faithfulness were. However, notice he does say tithing is "of the Law." Of course, Jesus, being the God-fearing Jew that He was, would have paid tithes and encouraged the payment of them. Jesus always encouraged obedience to the Law of Moses. This verse however, cannot be used to support tithing under the New Covenant, as the New Covenant was not yet established.