Many Christians debate the necessity and importance of tithing.
Some argue that tithing is not important. After all, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes," they say (see Romans 10:4).
Some say that it's not important because it's not mentioned anywhere in the New Testament. Since it's not mentioned by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and the others, it's not really necessary, they argue.
Some will dare say that generosity is what the New Testament teaches. They say tithing is not mentioned in the NT, but generosity is. Because of this, tithing is not important, they argue.
While Christ is indeed the end of the law, and tithing is not mentioned anywhere in the NT, we have to understand something.
And this something is what we'll be talking about in this article
Just a little of what we have received
Friends, many of us argue that tithing is not important. Some will say that it is, and that they continue to give their tenth every time they go to church. "It depends on what you believe," some will say.
To be honest, the command to tithe may not be what saves us, or perhaps it may not be taught in the NT, but if we all argue and debate about the importance of being generous in thankfulness to God for what He has done for us and has given to us, what are we?
- We say generosity is what's taught in the NT, but we complain about giving back to God something as little as ten percent of what He gives, even as He has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ (see Ephesians 1:3).
- We say Jesus didn't teach us to tithe, but He did say He is not doing away with the Law; rather, He fulfilled it all (see Matthew 5:17-20)
- We say the apostles didn't teach about tithing. But they gave more than just their tenth: they gave all that they could give, and confessed that everything on earth is but temporary (see Acts 2:44-45 for example).
Friends, the issue I want us to focus on right now is not the command to tithe. What we must look into is our hearts -- is God the Lord of our hearts, or our finances the lord of our lives?
- We may not want to admit it, but many of us don't want to tithe because we don't want to let go of our money.
- Some of us may not want to tithe because our hard-earned money simply goes to people in the church.
- Others don't want to tithe because they worked for their money, and now they're going to give it away.
Tithing may not be commanded in the NT, but will we be willing to give what we have to the poor and the needy?
Tithing may not be taught in the NT, but are we generous enough to share our belongings to our brethren who need help, especially financially?
Tithing may not save us, but is our salvation enough to make us realize that everything on earth is temporary, and thus we should learn to be generous to all while we're here?
Think about it, friends. Tithing isn't necessary for salvation, and is not taught in the gospels. But will we be willing to give away a little of what God gave us so that we can bless His work?
I leave you with these words from our Lord Jesus Christ:
"Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:30-34)
