Are Christians To Be Giving Tithes?

        Many pastors, one of which is Charles Stanley, believe that Christians are supposed to be giving weekly tithes to their churches. Some, including the aforementioned individual, go as far as to claim that believers ought to give ten percent of their income and that God will bless people who obey. Malachi 3:8-10 is cited as a biblical support for this teaching. However, there is rationale against Christians tithing, namely, that it was an aspect of the Mosaic Law, which does not have pertinence under the New Covenant. It does not apply to us for the same reason that Sabbath observance does not apply to us. Such things have been rendered obsolete at the cross and so have faded away (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:13). Tithing is a biblical concept, but has been taken out of its respective context and misapplied to our societal framework.

        Why did the Jewish people provide tithes? It was dedicated to the care of the Levitical priests as they performed animal sacrifices in the presence of God (Numbers 18:21-26). They had no inheritance of land as did the rest of the tribes of Israel, as He was their inheritance. Tithes were used for feasts and also given to assist the poor. People made pilgrimages to Jerusalem every couple of years to honor those tithes, which is nowhere required of us. The Jews gave crops and livestock for tithes (Leviticus 27:30; 2 Chronicles 31:5). It is ironic that we do not see many pastors imposing these kinds of requirements on their audiences. Tithes made up ten percent of one's income.

        How are we to understand the concept of generous giving? Paul answered that question in general terms, such as "according to the desire of their hearts" and "not under compulsion" (2 Corinthians 9:7). He makes no mention of a fixed amount of a person's income. The rest of the New Testament epistles are silent concerning tithing. God loves a cheerful giver because he is giving from the heart. That kind of giving finds its root in love. The moral dimension of the Law is applicable for all time, but tithes are not included. Levites and ordained ministerial priests are tied to the Old Testament system of animal sacrifices. Further, God is not focusing on the earthly Jerusalem at this point in time, but the heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4:25-26). God promised Abraham that he would inherit the whole world, not just the land of Israel.

         Sometimes people appeal to the examples of Abraham and Jacob giving tithes before the institution of the Law as proof that we must do the same under the New Covenant. This way of thinking is mistaken, however. Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek took place only a single time. We have no evidence of him giving God a fixed income on a regular basis. The text also does not specify whether what Abraham gave was a tenth of his income or a tenth of the best of his goods that he could offer. The number ten is seen as signifying wholeness or completeness in God's divine order. As far as Jacob is concerned, he gave a tenth of his income as a way of expressing gratitude for God's continued presence and protection. There is nothing in this text implying that it has broader implications to our finances. These were both unique situations. Lastly, Jesus spoke of tithing and sacrifices, but that was only before the inauguration of the New Covenant. Nothing indicates that tithing is for us.

         Further, one must act in a manner that is financially responsible when it comes to making these kinds of decisions. For example, a man may have a family that he is obligated to take care of (1 Timothy 5:8). Proverbs 13:22 says that a good man will lay up an inheritance for his descendants. Hence, there are factors that take precedence over financially supporting one's own church. While none of this should be taken as encouraging selfishness and greed, it would be arrogant of us to presume that God will catch us when we fail to act in our own best interests. Nor would it be right to guilt trip others into giving monetarily, as they would then not be motivated by love. The tithe was specifically associated with Israel and the old order of things.