Why Not Tithe?
In recent weeks several persons have asked me to write an article "Why Tithe?" I yield to the task with the predicate that Laila and I do tithe.
"Why Tithe?" did not ring my bell. It is difficult for me to imagine why people who call themselves Christians do not tithe. There is no reason for the question of "Why Tithe?" It is a Dead End Street. It is a reflection of lack of knowledge of God, His ways, the Church, and the nature of God's covenant agreement with His Creation.
Thus, my remarks are in the affirmative. "Why Not Tithe?"
Let us begin with Jesus. Jesus tithed. He affirmed in Luke 11:42 that Pharisees should tithe. Jesus would not impose on others what He would not do.
Second, Jesus was recognized as a rabbi in the synagogue. This would have inherently included tithing.
Third, Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not destroy it.
The New Testament offers no alternative to tithing for financing the Kingdom work.
Tithing is a covenant relationship with God who is Our Jehovah-Jirah. He supplies all our needs. Everything good comes from God. The tithe is our participation with God to provide for the work of the Lord and to reach a fallen world. We bring our tithe to the "storehouse" (Malachi 3:10), our place of worship.
Tithing affords me being in the company of the saints of the Old Testament.
Tithing brings me into the company of New Testament saints who trust God.
Tithing keeps me from frustrating God for the good things He has planned for me (Jeremiah 29:11).
Tithing prepares me to trust God in future struggles of life.
Tithing allows me to participate with others in keeping the church doors open, and keeping evangelists, pastors, and missionaries in ministry.
Tithing graces my life to keep me humble.
Tithing reminds me that life is not all about me.
Tithing brings me God's favor.
Tithing effaces my claim to fame through giving. My tithe is community with others, no name, no glory, no personal praise.
Tithing adds more to my life in terms of peace of mind than a new car, new home, new clothes, new jewelry, new ipods, new computers, ....whatever...
Tithing teaches me to trust God.
Tithing teaches me obedience.
Tithing provides a church building for my family to worship.
Tithing provides pastoral staff to meet my needs of teaching and fellowship.
Tithing provides fellowship for times of celebrations, e.g., weddings, anniversaries, etc.
Tithing provides a building for retreat in times of sorrow.
Tithing provides a building for instruction/worship/fellowship, thus being protected from harsh weather.
Tithing provides the blessing of seeing the devourer rebuked in my life...countless testimonies.
Tithing is less percentage than people tip waiters/waitresses--without knowing their name.
Tithing leaves me with 90% and partnership with God!
I am committed to drive an older car, or none, live in a lesser house, or none, and wear the same clothes again and again and again...eat rice three times a day if necessary...drink water...sell my toys...whatever it takes to TITHE.
I tithe because I cannot think of any reason why I should NOT tithe!
Some folks argue away their birthright. Beats me why anyone would tell God they do not trust Him, but expect God to raise them from the dead in the Resurrection of the Righteous.
Some folks hide profit in business pretending they will one day tithe.
Some folks tithe all their life and leave assets without instructing in their Will to tithe on profit of estate.
Some folks worry about what they will leave to their children, but do not tithe to God who is able to destroy both soul and body (Matthew 10:28).
Some folks argue that tithing ended in the Old Testament, which only proves they have not read the New Testament.
Some folks insist they can tithe where they want to, which is an argument to not tithe at all.
Some folks give money where they get the glory, instead of tithing.
Some folks want all the blessings of a strong local church while they support restaurants, sports, clothing stores, and entertainment centers.
I just prefer to move to the front of the line and keep tithing. I trust God.
Why Not Tithe?... give me one biblical reason---no use looking...it is not in the Bible!
Pastor Bare
"Here men that die receive tithes; but there he (Jesus) receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth (Hebrews 7:8). NOTE: This is New Testament, not a historical footnote.