A MIDDLE-LANE APPROACH TO TITHING

Now...concerning giving and receiving. – Php 4:15

It's jocularly said that all Christians become theologians when it comes to MONEY, and even more so when it relates to tithing.

The major problem about the Tithing controversy in the church is that neither side of the argument can claim neutrality. For the most part, those who insist the Tithe is still relevant in this Dispensation of Grace are Pastors – direct beneficiaries of that doctrine. On the other hand, those who reject the doctrine of tithing are usually those who are being asked to tithe. So it becomes hard to divorce theology from self-interest. And thus, the stalemate endures.

I may take some gratification in placing the blame of all this Tithing brouhaha on the Pulpit. For cherry-picking the Old Testament and attempting to scare the money out of God’s People though threats of divine punishment and  all,  the blame for the negative emotions surrounding giving to one’s Lord and Saviour should lay on them.

But what are the facts, really?

Let’s begin with the (in)famous “Will a man rob God” passage that gets flogged repeatedly every Sunday Morning (Mal 3:8-11).

It's already established by now that that is an OT instruction. “Now we know that whatsoever things the law says, it says to them who are under the law:” (Rom 3:19). Considering that the NT Believer is NOT “under the Law” it would be somewhat devious to keep quoting that passage.

The real problem is that the New Testament has few references to tithing.

Believers who attempt to dabble with the law will always get bitten; because the "tithe" in the OT amounts to 30% of one's income (for there're actually 3 separate "tithes").

However, this fact mustn't be used as an excuse to hog up all one's resources. The NT Church was known for her generosity, and their giving may well end up being over 10%.

Many Christians find the tithe to be a fair and workable plan for giving. So long as it's not made to be a coercive or legalistic system,

NT 'Tithing' should basically be about HONOURING GOD. It isn't Christlike to eat up all of one's harvest without acknowledging the Giver.

Additionally, ministries have come to rely on the Tithe for sustainance. If we can forgive them for their past errors and decide within ourselves to use the Tithe as an arbitrary minimum standard for giving, then the work of the gospel can continue and the people will remain blessed.

Having this truth in mind: The New Testament Believer Doesn't Give in Order to Be Blessed; He/She Gives BECAUSE They Already Are Blessed!

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN