Why Do We Tithe?
Well, I suppose I could make this a short article by simply stating, “God says so!” And indeed scripture is full of clear commands, not suggestions, from God to give one-tenth of all He blesses us with back to Him. Since God will always provide for our needs, He knows that we can get by on 90% of those abundant gifts he bestows upon us. With the season of Lent approaching it is appropriate to spend some time focusing on God’s desire for us to tithe. And, in fact, the six weeks of Lent is a good time-frame to practice tithing as a sacrificial observance of this reflective season. Of course, for those of you already tithing, you will need to come up with another added gift to honor our Lord.
For most of my adult life, I’ve regularly read in scripture, heard preached from pulpits or shared from tithers the practice of tithing. As time went by I started to realize that my awareness of the tithing messages and my curiosity with the subject was God Himself trying desperately to get my attention. I knew that some day I would finally have enough to be able to start tithing, or at least give it a shot. Years later I learned the fallacy and humor in that belief. Finally, one Sunday about 17 years ago I knew I was ready. And that Sunday I began tithing with my check for 10% of our family’s weekly income sealed proudly in the offering envelope. I don’t remember for sure if this new discipline lasted 2 or 3 weeks. But, I knew that God would understand my realization that our bills needed priority over His desire. Sure I felt a bit guilty, but God is all about forgiveness. And, after all, He wasn’t making it very easy.
About a year or two later God allowed me to begin tithing again. And for over fifteen years, my wife, Barbara, and I have been regular tithers. What was the difference? Well, for one thing, the first time I was the only one involved in the action. Not only hadn’t I included my wife in the decision, but I had conveniently left God out of the equation, as well. Also, the first attempt was made out of pride in my “good deed” and the “promise” of smooth roads ahead. (Over the years I’ve heard numerous tithers expound on all the good things that happen in their lives because of their tithing.) The second attempt at tithing was a family decision in partnership with God. The first time I was making an effort. The second time we felt led to the practice and comforted in the fact that God was allowing us the opportunity to tithe.
But, besides God’s request, why else should we tithe? Well, when we really get sincere in our beliefs, all that we have truly comes from God. If our belief is real, we know that God will care for us, provide for all our needs and be with us through whatever life throws our way. Is 90% of His possessions really too little for us to keep? But it does come down to belief. And it comes down to a close relationship and partnership with our Lord. When we make the decision with God, a great sense of freedom is known. We are no longer tied to hoarding everything as ours, ours, ours!
A few years ago, 2001 to be exact, I lost my job. That wasn’t a great year for job opportunities or economic relief. It would be over 9 months until I would again find regular employment. Through that time period my wife and I never considered reducing our giving below our tithe. Not only did God get us through that period, but we were amazed at how much He had allowed us to give to His Church while I was unemployed. Our family life together and our spiritual life were strengthened throughout that trial.
Yes, I had heard from many sources over the years how much easier your life will be if you tithe. God will somehow provide for you more abundantly when you make this “bargain” with Him. Well actually, tithing is no magic wand. If you are thinking about beginning to tithe so you can experience those wonderful perks, think again! In general, I would say our lives are more complete, joyful and blessed since we have been tithing. But I do not believe this is a result of paying God for His services. No, over the years, I have come to realize that when we take His requests and sovereignty seriously, we become closer to God. And that closeness makes us more aware of His regular presence and activity in our lives. I feel that we notice His gifts and caring more easily when we are more closely “in tune” with our Lord. That is why I think some tithers think they are receiving special treatment. Actually the special treatment is always there for all of us. But devotion to God and His desires for us opens our eyes to appreciate those gifts. One more reason why God wants us to tithe is that He wants the best for us. He knows we will be happier and healthier when we are freed from our possessions.
Well those are some of the reasons why we tithe. If you don’t currently know the joy and peace of tithing, why will you tithe?
John Piper
For the Stewardship Committee