|
Tithing is making voluntary, systematic contribution of financial
support to your Church. Voluntary means giving out of love and gratitude
for all God gives you. Systematic means giving a predetermined portion
of your income as you receive it.
The Old Testament guideline for giving was a "tithe" -- or tenth -- of
total property. "And of all that you give me I will surely give one
tenth to you." Genesis 28:22
Today, the tithing tradition remains an important part of church life
for many Christians.
Tithing symbolizes and helps express you commitment to Christ and the
Church. A regular plan for giving can help enrich your life. Through
giving, we offer ourselves in service and devotion to God. We become
stronger in faith, more aware of others' needs, and we experience the
joy of sharing with others in Christ. And it can accomplish the Church's
mission. Reliable funding allows the Church to plan for expenses, carry
out programs, maintain outreach activities and help those in need.
The Old Testament contains many references to tithing. It refers to
tithing as being required by all. A tenth of possessions such as
animals, grains, etc. (the best tenth or "first fruits"), were to be set
aside and offered to God in thanks for the blessings we are given. The
custom of tithing may have started before the 8th century B.C. "All
tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from
the tree, are the LORD'S; they are holy to the LORD." Leviticus 27:30
According to the New Testament, Jesus affirmed tithing as a form of
Stewardship. Stewardship means using everything God has given us - life,
talents, and possessions - to serve God with love and gratitude. Jesus
encouraged giving in proportion to what we have received, praising the
poor widow for her generous gift. (Luke 21:2). The Apostle Paul directed
his followers to plan their contributions. "On the first day of every
week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn..." 1
Corinthians 16:2.
The custom of tithing changed and developed as the Church grew. The
early Church, poor and struggling, stressed voluntary giving of whatever
was available. Later, when money became more common, it replaced the
practice of tithing animals, grain, etc. By the 4th century,
Christianity had grown to include many prosperous people who were able
(and required) to give more. By the 6th century, the Church decreed how
tithes would be collected. Violators were punished (by excommunication
in extreme cases). By the 16th century, compulsory tithing had alienated
many Christians. The requirement was gradually abandoned in most
churches.
According to the teachings of the New Testament, Church members are
stewards of God's gifts and should give freely to further God's work.
Many churches have organized plans for encouraging tithing and helping
members to tithe. Through your will or life insurance plan (offered by
many church organizations), your estate can continue to provide support
after your death. Church members should teach their children to tithe,
explain it to others and set good examples themselves.
"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with
whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10 Everything we have
comes as a gift from God. Through giving, we show our love for God and
humanity and receive God's love. It is a challenge that helps us develop
self-discipline, responsibility and maturity. Tithing supports programs
to help those with material and spiritual needs. The self-employed
should compute the tithe based on your income after business, but not
personal, deductions. Retired people tithe even if income is small. The
amount is not as important as planned, consistent giving. Teens give a
percentage from part-time jobs to help establish the tithing habit
early. Even youngsters can put aside a small amount each week for God.
The key is to make tithing a normal part of your budget. Whatever your
program of giving, keep records, be prompt and try not to miss dates.
Weekly or monthly tithing helps your church plan its budget. Planning to
tithe yearly often results in not having the money ready when promised.
If you don't receive income on a regular basis, tithe when you receive
it. Tithing is not a substitute for other Christian obligations such as
volunteering your time for church-related activities. Think of tithing
as an important part of your total stewardship responsibilities.
"The
choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the
house of the LORD your God." Exodus 23:19 When you tithe, give
generously. There are several ways to determine what you should give.
Some people set aside a percentage of their income. Others give by
proportion $2 or $3 per week for every $1,000 of annual income. If you
start at less than 10%, try to increase your giving as your income
grows, until you reach 10% or more.
Your tithe helps the Church meet basic needs and reach out to people
everywhere. Every church has fixed expenses such as building
maintenance, utilities, salaries, insurance, etc. which must be met
every month. Through tithing, the church can meet its practical
responsibilities without putting a burden on just a few members. Tithing
provides a regular, predictable source of funding. This reduces the need
for constant fundraising activities and frees time and energy for other
responsibilities of Christian life. Many of the world's people have not
had the chance to learn about Christ. The Church uses tithing funds to
help reach out to hose people and strives to unit all nations in the
peace of Jesus Christ. Tithes help to support missions, Christian
publications, etc. Your tithe supports the Church's worldwide efforts to
combat disease, ignorance and poverty. Programs at home and abroad
include: funding hospitals and schools, providing information services,
and participating in a wide variety of civic and charitable activities.
The rewards of tithing are joy, awareness and fulfillment. Tithing is a
concrete way to acknowledge God's presence in our lives. Serving, in
response to God's grace and generosity, brings a happiness that cannot
be achieved through more self-centered activities. Tithing is a way of
sharing concern for others throughout the world. As we become more
sensitive to other's needs, we grow closer to God. People who tithe
regularly strengthen the sincerity of their commitment to Christ.
Tithing itself becomes deeply satisfying, a way to follow Christ.
Make tithing part of your life in Christ. It is an important way to
express your gratitude to God for the gifts and blessings you have
received, to renew your faith and grow closer to Christ, and to help
your church remain strong and fulfill its mission.
Give with a loving, generous heart. God will reward with joy and
fulfillment. "The measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Luke 6:38
|
