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i have almost a love-hate affair with the ten percent. looking back, without being taught the discipline, i don’t know if i ever would have developed the habit of giving that i have in my life right now. and without the regular pattern of giving, i don’t know if i would have ever experienced the grace to truly trust god to not only provide for every need, but also to live with the freedom to let go of money.
i guess the “hate” part comes from the inference that it is still a requirement from god. and worse yet, a bar that all believers are to somehow shoot for. giving ten percent is a time-honored tradition of the church and a sound financial practice (just ask your tax guy). i’m not arguing this point. it’s just that the tithe, according to scripture, is a little different than the tradition that has been passed down.
the children of israel were required to tithe. in fact, they were required to give multiple tithes…as much as 23% percent and even beyond. it was similar to our system of taxation. it was not a matter of the heart, it wasn’t a matter of choice. it was demanded and there was a consequence if the demand was not met.
when jesus arrived on the scene, the jewish requirements for tithing were still in place. but jesus brought a redefining of jewish legal requirement:
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17
historically, the church has emphasized that jesus did not abolish the tithe. my problem with this is how the church has gone about picking and choosing which of the laws we were still going to conveniently require and which of the laws we were going to let slide. and if we’re going to require them, why aren’t we really requiring them? ah, law…so much more to say. i’ll save it for later.
let me make this clear. if you believe the ultimate goal set before you is to give ten percent of your income to the local church, somebody has sold you a lemon! if you think that god is somehow pleased when you let go of a percentage of your money, it’s time for a fresh perspective. jesus did not come to abolish the law of tithing. i think he came to explode it!
he came to give us all a brand new take on what it means to know that god is the creator and owner of everything, including every dime we think belongs to us…what it means to live underneath the his lordship…what it means to seek the kingdom of god first…what it means to put our money where we say our hearts are.
the real question is not what percentage i put in the offering plate, but what percentage stays in my bank account.
what do you think?
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