Tithing

Two men were stranded on an island. One man paced back and forth, worried and scared, while the other man sat back and enjoyed the sun. the first man asked the second man, "Aren't you afraid we are going to die?" "No," said the second man, "I make $50,000 a week and tithe faithfully to the church. My preacher will find me."

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The word “tithe” means a tenth and is rooted in the ancient practice of giving a tenth of one's blessings to God. It is a practice that predates the old law, with the first reference being found in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. Then later, we read of Jacob vowing to give a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22). We should note, however, that these tithes were voluntary acts and had not been commanded by God.

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That changed, of course, when the old law came about. Those living under that law were required to tithe in passages like Leviticus 27:30 and Numbers 18:21. However, this has no bearing on Christians for we do not live under the old law, but the new law.

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The new law does not teach tithing. It is not required, or even recommended, as the basis of giving for Christians. We are simply told to give as we have prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). Hence, it should be proportionate to one’s income; based on prosperity, not percentage. Moreover, our giving is to be done with joy and not out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). Christians are not to tithe.