What is your motivation for tithing?

[Aaron56]

It seems like Abraham gave to Melchizedek as an act of respect because he was a king.

Hebrews 7:1-2
1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;



I have a problem with the vocabulary "tithe" because pastors often appeal to the authority of old testament verses commanding to tithe. By using that kind of language they can, and often do, coerce congregations into believing they are required to give a percentage of their income to the congregation.

What I do fully support is giving or donating. It's better if we just call it giving and yes I agree mature and wise believers do give and donate.

And in Abraham's example we know that all of Levi tithed to Melchizedek. So it was more than respect. It showed that the order of Melchizedek, of which Christ is the High Priest forever, was greater than the order of Levi: the greater blesses the lesser and the lesser tithes to the greater.

I agree about pastors. They don't understand the tithe. The Levitical function of the tithe was to support the priesthood. This is what they teach the congregation so that the people give money. The Melchizedek function of the tithe is a declaration of a son of God: we get our provision from Him and not by our own hand. As a son, our provision is still guaranteed: we do not give to get. However, the tithe is one way our soul comes under the rule of the spirit. As I wrote earlier: I tithe to the man who watches over my soul. He is my actual pastor and spiritual father: much in the same way Paul was Timothy's (and others') father in the faith, and in the same way Abraham tithed to the one who blessed him.

 

[Amanuensis]

Support your local church. Good reason.

 

[ResidentAlien]

While I’ll agree there is no compulsory tithe today, the giving of tithe for the believer demonstrates maturity and wisdom.

I disagree. To me it indicates folly and immaturity.

This statement is about as illogical as it gets. You're saying that doing something that has long since ceased to be an obligation somehow makes you more mature and wise??? I have to say, tithing as a demonstration of maturity and wisdom is a new motive to me.

I think the only one it impresses is yourself.

 

[Aaron56]

I disagree. To me it indicates folly and immaturity.

This statement is about as illogical as it gets. You're saying that doing something that has long since ceased to be an obligation somehow makes you more mature and wise??? I have to say, tithing as a demonstration of maturity and wisdom is a new motive to me.

I think the only one it impresses is yourself.

Like many Christians you seem to think God’s plan for man was only revealed after the resurrection of Christ. This is a common mistake among the box-churched. God dealt with man before the foundation of the earth. While the compulsory tithe arose within the Law, the tithe was practiced, among the God’s chosen, generations before Sinai.

You should be convicted about NOT tithing to an institution, however. That mirrors the Levitical model that no more directs God’s people. Christ came and restored the priesthood of Melchizedek. Within that administration, we see the greater blessing the lesser, and the lesser giving their tithe to the one who brings the blessing.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Like many Christians you seem to think God’s plan for man was only revealed after the resurrection of Christ. This is a common mistake among the box-churched. God dealt with man before the foundation of the earth. While the compulsory tithe arose within the Law, the tithe was practiced, among the God’s chosen, generations before Sinai.

You should be convicted about NOT tithing to an institution, however. That mirrors the Levitical model that no more directs God’s people. Christ came and restored the priesthood of Melchizedek. Within that administration, we see the greater blessing the lesser, and the lesser giving their tithe to the one who brings the blessing.

Okay

 

[Dino246]

Okay

Aaron56 must have me on Ignore, as he clearly hasn't read my posts undoing his position.

 

[BillG]

What is the motivation for anyone who gives financially whether Christian or not?
Also it does not need to be financial at all.

What about the barber in my city who goes into the high street to cut the hair of homeless people but does not charge but is not a Christian?

Whats the difference us and him?

 

[Amanuensis]

I don't know the exact statistics from formal studies but only what I have heard from pastors that talk about it and it is probably only about 10% of those in a church that say they believe in tithing that actually do so on a regular basis throughout the year.

So what that means to me is that only about 10% believe in tithing.

Can you imagine how much more these churches could do to reach the lost if 50% of those who said they believed in tithing actually did it?

So all the talk is irrelevant. Who cares if people don't think they should tithe. We aren't expecting those who say they believe in it to actually do it. We have learned to budget on more like 1%.

It appears that most Christians actually believe in not supporting their local churches. And that's a fact. They may not say it, but in works they demonstrate it. And with God actions are weighed.

 

[JohnDB]

I don't know the exact statistics from formal studies but only what I have heard from pastors that talk about it and it is probably only about 10% of those in a church that say they believe in tithing that actually do so on a regular basis throughout the year.

So what that means to me is that only about 10% believe in tithing.

Can you imagine how much more these churches could do to reach the lost if 50% of those who said they believed in tithing actually did it?

So all the talk is irrelevant. Who cares if people don't think they should tithe. We aren't expecting those who say they believe in it to actually do it. We have learned to budget on more like 1%.

It appears that most Christians actually believe in not supporting their local churches. And that's a fact. They may not say it, but in works they demonstrate it. And with God actions are weighed.

Nope...

As I have been to more business meetings than I ever wanted to attend...

The numbers add up that most of the congregation actually gives a portion of their income to the church they attend.
Where some churches are not getting a full 10% of the congregation's income...the church is usually a cathedral to begin with. And not strapped for cash in any fashion.

And that's several churches that I've been a part of. One in the poorer section had 10 million dollars in reserve. They stroked a check to the International Missions Board every year for a million dollars.

They also had a mission church that they supported financially as well as the local homeless mission that has two separate facilities for men and women.
And the children's home and the self orphan children. (Children who couldn't live at home but needed a place to live)

So...they had issues with getting rid of the money they had. Everything was paid for and maintained well.

 

[Dino246]

I don't know the exact statistics from formal studies but only what I have heard from pastors that talk about it and it is probably only about 10% of those in a church that say they believe in tithing that actually do so on a regular basis throughout the year.

So what that means to me is that only about 10% believe in tithing.

Can you imagine how much more these churches could do to reach the lost if 50% of those who said they believed in tithing actually did it?

So all the talk is irrelevant. Who cares if people don't think they should tithe. We aren't expecting those who say they believe in it to actually do it. We have learned to budget on more like 1%.

It appears that most Christians actually believe in not supporting their local churches. And that's a fact. They may not say it, but in works they demonstrate it. And with God actions are weighed.

I suspect that there isn't a single person who says they believe in tithing who actually does so. That's because it is utterly impossible to tithe according to the Law as there is no tabernacle, no temple, and no priesthood. Further, even those who claim to be doing so by giving 10% of their income are not tithing biblically, because there isn't even a single case in Scripture where the tithe was paid (or payable) in money. Where someone did want to pay in money instead of in goods (which were mandated), they had to add one-fifth of the value (see Lev. 27) so that the result is no longer 1/10th and therefore no longer a "tithe" (which literally means "tenth").

It would be so much less confusing if Christians would not confuse giving with tithing. By all means, give to support the work of the Church and to the needy, but don't call what you give a tithe, because it simply isn't.

 

[Amanuensis]

I suspect that there isn't a single person who says they believe in tithing who actually does so. That's because it is utterly impossible to tithe according to the Law as there is no tabernacle, no temple, and no priesthood. Further, even those who claim to be doing so by giving 10% of their income are not tithing biblically, because there isn't even a single case in Scripture where the tithe was paid (or payable) in money. Where someone did want to pay in money instead of in goods (which were mandated), they had to add one-fifth of the value (see Lev. 27) so that the result is no longer 1/10th and therefore no longer a "tithe" (which literally means "tenth").

It would be so much less confusing if Christians would not confuse giving with tithing. By all means, give to support the work of the Church and to the needy, but don't call what you give a tithe, because it simply isn't.

Most don't teach that tithing like they did under the OT Law is what they should do. Usually they are asking to give 10% of your income to help support the operation and mission of the local church. If they want to call it the 10% budget method to get around the criticism of calling it a tithe then they could do that. However those that say they think it is a great idea still won't do it. BECAUSE THEY ARE SELF CENTERED. And would rather use it for Starbucks and pizza and movie subscriptions that make them sin in their thought life.

And that's the real problem that should be addressed. Repent and start giving as God prospers you in proportion to how you receive from the God that you believe is to be credited for your financial blessings. By recognizing that the extra money that came your way this month was not just so you could buy something for your own pleasure, but also so that you could give a percentage/proportion of it to the church because God wanted to use you and another 15 people that he picked out to received extra so that when all of you gave a percentage of it it was going to be what the church needed to buy that van for the missionary reaching the Indians in Guatemala Jungle.

But few will view their unexpected income as a means to support a need in the church. It is the way God works. He gives to those so that they can give some of it to the church to make things operate.

If people don't want to come up with a budget method like giving 10% of their income and simply give as the Spirit leads, that is fine but make sure they are giving from all income some kind of proportion, otherwise you end up not giving and spending it all on yourself and are oblivious to the fact that you might have been given that raise just to test faithfulness to give a portion to the church and if you did, God was going to start using you by giving you more so that you could give more. This is not prosperity gospel this is simply the "spiritual giving" we like to say we believe instead of tithing.

In the end a person who faithfully gives 10% of their income is being much more Spiritual and faithful to the way God works than the one who waits for a nudging here and there but doesn't give in proportion to their income.

 

[Dino246]

Most don't teach that tithing like they did under the OT Law is what they should do. Usually they are asking to give 10% of your income to help support the operation and mission of the local church. If they want to call it the 10% budget method to get around the criticism of calling it a tithe then they could do that. However those that say they think it is a great idea still won't do it. BECAUSE THEY ARE SELF CENTERED. And would rather use it for Starbucks and pizza and movie subscriptions that make them sin in their thought life.

And that's the real problem that should be addressed. Repent and start giving as God prospers you in proportion to how you receive from the God that you believe is to be credited for your financial blessings. By recognizing that the extra money that came your way this month was not just so you could buy something for your own pleasure, but also so that you could give a percentage/proportion of it to the church because God wanted to use you and another 15 people that he picked out to received extra so that when all of you gave a percentage of it it was going to be what the church needed to buy that van for the missionary reaching the Indians in Guatemala Jungle.

But few will view their unexpected income as a means to support a need in the church. It is the way God works. He gives to those so that they can give some of it to the church to make things operate.

If people don't want to come up with a budget method like giving 10% of their income and simply give as the Spirit leads, that is fine but make sure they are giving from all income some kind of proportion, otherwise you end up not giving and spending it all on yourself and are oblivious to the fact that you might have been given that raise just to test faithfulness to give a portion to the church and if you did, God was going to start using you by giving you more so that you could give more. This is not prosperity gospel this is simply the "spiritual giving" we like to say we believe instead of tithing.

In the end a person who faithfully gives 10% of their income is being much more Spiritual and faithful to the way God works than the one who waits for a nudging here and there but doesn't give in proportion to their income.

Generally, we agree. I think it is better to plan one's giving at some consistent level, and to give occasionally on top of that. I also agree that one's giving should increase as one's income increases, though not necessarily in the same proportion. I simply reject the use of the term "tithing" because many people can't distinguish it from the OT law, and because our giving is rarely a tenth (it may be less or more). Even the people who are "legalistic" about giving a tenth probably are overlooking income that is not paid in money (health insurance benefits, for example).

 

[Amanuensis]

Nope...

As I have been to more business meetings than I ever wanted to attend...

The numbers add up that most of the congregation actually gives a portion of their income to the church they attend.
Where some churches are not getting a full 10% of the congregation's income...the church is usually a cathedral to begin with. And not strapped for cash in any fashion.

And that's several churches that I've been a part of. One in the poorer section had 10 million dollars in reserve. They stroked a check to the International Missions Board every year for a million dollars.

They also had a mission church that they supported financially as well as the local homeless mission that has two separate facilities for men and women.
And the children's home and the self orphan children. (Children who couldn't live at home but needed a place to live)

So...they had issues with getting rid of the money they had. Everything was paid for and maintained well.

Most churches are small and poor.

 

[JohnDB]

Most churches are small and poor.

Ummm...
There are a few like that...
I'm scared to death of attending any like that in America because of the few I am aware of they have severe issues with leadership...

I really wouldn't consider them to be churches. Just a group with some sort of poor attitudes of condemnation and a lot of religious furver.

 

[ResidentAlien]

What is the motivation for anyone who gives financially whether Christian or not?
Also it does not need to be financial at all.

What about the barber in my city who goes into the high street to cut the hair of homeless people but does not charge but is not a Christian?

Whats the difference us and him?

Thanks for your input; however, this thread is about what motivates a person to tithe.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Do you feel that the Old Covenant tithe is still in effect?

No, I don't believe that the Old Covenant tithe is still in effect. Jesus is more concerned with us giving our time/talent/treasures and love to others. In fact, I believe that Jesus looked down on the concept of tithing. The only time Jesus reference tithing in the New Testament, i n Matthew 23:23, Jesus talks to the Pharisees, condemning them for tithing to the penny but neglecting the more important issues of justice, mercy, and faith.

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Jesus' emphasis certainly isn't on tithing, in terms of 10%.

 

[ResidentAlien]

I'm a little surprised at the number of people here who say they don't practice tithing; honestly I thought there would be more. At least very few admit they tithe.

What I also find interesting is no one has said they tithe because it's taught in the New Testament.

 

[BillG]

I have never considered what I do concerning my financial giving and my time given for free as an accountant as tithing.

I do remember many years ago when I was in severe debt I sought help from a elder in my church. I was advised to tithe 10% of my income via standing order for 3 years.

I ended up with more debt than I had before I started. Thank God he helped me when I felt it was wrong to tithe when I owed others money and started paying debts and gave what little I had left away to others.

Anyway my wife and I give monthly to the church to help it's running costs and to put into various needs (like a poor fund or help people in debt) and then we give to others as God lays on our hearts to give. And it is not unusual for God to lay the same people on our hearts and for us both to come up with the same figure.

Our motives?

To honour God and give to help others with what God has given us.
Out of the love and compassion that God has laid on our hearts for people either Christian or not.

Praying that people see how much God loves them and will meet their needs through us, that's you and me the children of God.

It's a privilege and it doesnt just need to be money.
God has blessed us with much and we must do the same.
Imitate the Father.

 

[arthurfleminger]

I have never considered what I do concerning my financial giving and my time given for free as an accountant as tithing.

I do remember many years ago when I was in severe debt I sought help from a elder in my church. I was advised to tithe 10% of my income via standing order for 3 years.

I ended up with more debt than I had before I started. Thank God he helped me when I felt it was wrong to tithe when I owed others money and started paying debts and gave what little I had left away to others.

Anyway my wife and I give monthly to the church to help it's running costs and to put into various needs (like a poor fund or help people in debt) and then we give to others as God lays on our hearts to give. And it is not unusual for God to lay the same people on our hearts and for us both to come up with the same figure.

Our motives?

To honour God and give to help others with what God has given us.
Out of the love and compassion that God has laid on our hearts for people either Christian or not.

Praying that people see how much God loves them and will meet their needs through us, that's you and me the children of God.

It's a privilege and it doesnt just need to be money.
God has blessed us with much and we must do the same.
Imitate the Father.

I knew of someone who shared really bad experiences in their church, relevant to tithing. She was a single mother with 3 children. She worked but at a blue collar job that didn't pay much. She came to me one day seeking advice. The pastor of her church was putting pressure on her because she wasn't tithing 10%. They were writing her letters, basically admonishing her of her duty to tithe. Obviously she couldn't afford to. She told me that the pastor and his wife drove expensive late model automobiles and lived in an expensive house. This woman never did tithe because she shouldn't.

A lot of preachers/pastors/churches are greedy, enriching themselves at the expense of less fortunate congregants. Many pastors are very well off financially and don't hesitate to use the tithing principle with their congregants to enrich themselves. Make no mistake that the tithing principle has become a tool for greedy leaders of many churches.

 

[arthurfleminger]

I knew of someone who shared really bad experiences in their church, relevant to tithing. She was a single mother with 3 children. She worked but at a blue collar job that didn't pay much. She came to me one day seeking advice. The pastor of her church was putting pressure on her because she wasn't tithing 10%. They were writing her letters, basically admonishing her of her duty to tithe. Obviously she couldn't afford to. She told me that the pastor and his wife drove expensive late model automobiles and lived in an expensive house. This woman never did tithe because she shouldn't.

A lot of preachers/pastors/churches are greedy, enriching themselves at the expense of less fortunate congregants. Many pastors are very well off financially and don't hesitate to use the tithing principle with their congregants to enrich themselves. Make no mistake that the tithing principle has become a tool for greedy leaders of many churches.

If any of your pastors or churches are demanding tithing from you while they are living in riches, don't give them a cent. In fact leave that church, they are nothing but greed driven people seeking riches for themselves.