In my last post I suggested that followers of Jesus are not required to tithe 10% as mandated by the Mosaic Covenant. Followers of Jesus are under the New Covenant and the NT does not actually mandate the one tenth tithe--contrary to what many preachers might suggest from the pulpit. And while some people may perceive this as a removal of our responsibility to give back to God, I argued that the NT ultimately ups the ante when it comes to giving. We now give in response to the fact that Jesus gave his very life away for us. What I want to do today is wrap up this blog series on tithing by sharing a few principles that have come to guide my giving within the general framework already presented.
Everything ultimately belongs to God.
God is the rightful owner of everything that we have. Nothing really belongs to us. Our family and friends, resources and possessions, gifts and abilities, all of it belongs to God. And because this is true, we ought to steward all of these things in a way that honors God and aligns with his purpose and will.
God is still saying "test me" in your giving.
The idea that God can providentially meet our needs is not limited to the OT (Phil. 4:19). At the end of the day, we either see our world as a place of scarcity and limited resources or as a place that is governed by a self-giving, self-sacrificing God--a God for whom resources are never a problem. Viewing the world through the lens of scarcity will inevitably lead to close-fisted stewardship whereas entrusting yourself to the care of God--the God who is able to meet all our needs--will lead to generous stewardship of all our stuff--time, money, energy...etc.
The 10% tithe can be a good benchmark to guide our giving.
While the NT does not mandate a 10% tithe, the one-tenth tithe can still provide a good benchmark for giving. Each person must settle the matter for themselves by conducing a thorough heart-check (2 Cor. 9:7).
Adhering to the 10% tithe may be indicative of spiritual pride.
Throughout the gospels we see Jesus intensifying and internalizing the law for the religious leaders. The religious leaders had become spiritually arrogant. Their adherence of the Mosaic Law had fueled spiritual pride. Keeping the law had become a means for them to feel good about themselves spiritually. The same thing can happen to us. We can tithe 10% in an attempt to feel good about ourselves spiritually. Tithing becomes a way for us to get life and feel better than those around us. This totally misses the mark.
Consistent and regular giving is an important spiritual discipline.
While the NT does not mandate a 10% tithe, church communities in the NT are encouraged to set aside money on a weekly basis (1 Cor. 16:2). Giving regularly can help us become consistently generous people. We miss something when we only give occasionally or sporadically.
Give sacrificially.
Jesus sacrificed his life for us. We give in response to that truth.
One could even argue that the sacrifice behind the giving is more important than the amount given (Lk. 21:1-4).
Giving inspires giving.
Giving is contagious. It is hard to sit back and watch others give generously without joining in. And once you join in, it is hard to turn it off. That is when the fun begins.
Giving helps advance the kingdom of God.
Giving advances the kingdom of God. It helps move the mission of God forward in the world. And that is something worth our deepest effort and most sincere devotion. Moving the kingdom of God forward is more important than a nice house or a new car, the newest fashion trends or latest technological gadgets, eating out or a great vacation. How we spend our money reveals our priorities. Giving helps align our heart with the heart of God.
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