How can we apply the principle of tithing today in our finances? The Foundation: God Owns It All Leviticus 27:30 — “Any tenth of the land’s produce, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” - Scripture treats the tithe as “holy”—set apart solely for Him. - Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Tithing simply returns a portion of what is already His. The Focus: Setting Apart the First Tenth - Proverbs 3:9-10 calls us to “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” - Making the tithe the first line in the budget, not the last, keeps priorities straight: God first, needs second, wants last. The Form: Practical Ways to Tithe Today - Calculate 10 percent of every paycheck, bonus, commission, pension, or investment profit. - Give through your local church; that is the New-Testament storehouse (Malachi 3:10; Acts 4:34-35). - Automate giving (online bill-pay or church app) to ensure consistency. - Include non-cash increase: stock, produce, gifts—convert to cash or give in kind if your church can receive it. - If paid biweekly, tithe every two weeks; if self-employed, tithe as income is received. The Fruit: Blessings Linked to Tithing - Malachi 3:10-11 promises an “open floodgate” of provision and protection. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 affirms that cheerful sowing brings abundant reaping and “all sufficiency in everything.” - Philippians 4:19 underscores God’s pledge to “supply all your needs” when you partner in gospel work. The Heart: Beyond the Tithe - Matthew 23:23—Jesus upheld tithing yet pressed for “justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” The tithe is the floor, not the ceiling. - Freewill offerings, missions giving, and alms for the poor flow naturally after the tithe (Deuteronomy 12:6; Acts 11:29-30). The Faith-Step: Trusting God in Tight Times - 1 Kings 17:13-16—The widow of Zarephath gave first, and God multiplied her flour and oil. - Decide to tithe regardless of current lack; giving from scarcity invites God’s miraculous supply (Mark 12:41-44). - Track testimonies of provision to build confidence for future obedience. The Future: Teaching the Next Generation - Discuss tithing openly at the dinner table; let children see parents writing the check or clicking “send.” - Give kids allowances and have them separate God’s portion immediately. - Model generosity so the principle becomes a lifestyle, not a rule. |
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