On Tithing

The Tithe, as established in the law, provided for the Levites, because they were not permitted to own land, but were dedicated entirely to the service of the lord, were solely entrusted with the priesthood and upkeep of the temple, and as such were provided for out of the produce and abundance of the other tribes (Numbers 18:19-21).  Tithing had a very practical and pragmatic purpose at its heart; it was God taking care of those whose given work was ministry.  It supported the workers and the upkeep of the temple.

Today, the same principle applies.  Certainly God promises blessing when we are obedient and give.  He even goes so far as to invite testing on this point (Malachi 3:10)  But the point of giving, and its purpose, is not to receive anything; it is to take part in, support, and assist with the ministry of God’s Word.  Indeed, even in Malachi the reason for God’s insistence on tithing was not that people could be blessed, but because they had abandoned giving to God.  The people were neglecting God and disobeying His commandment to support the workers and the temple through their offerings, and as a result they were under a curse from God in discipline for their disobedience.  But God promised that if they would repent and do what they had been told, once more giving the offerings that God commanded, they would cease to be under discipline and would instead be blessed (Malachi 3:9-12).

This brings up an important point with regard the blessings of God: there is no “in-between” state between blessing and cursing.  A person is either being disciplined, so that they will learn obedience, or they are already exercising obedience and being blessed for it.  That God should bless an individual for tithing is not an extraordinary thing, for He blesses obedience in all forms, and will bring discipline when obedience is not present.

Should we give to God?  Absolutely we should.  What does that mean?  It means that, just as the Israelites did, we take our own abundance and give it freely to support the efforts and ministry of those who are reaching out to others with the Gospel, be they pastors, missionaries or teachers.  It means that we take part in and support the upkeep of the churches where the message is preached, and aid in the expenses of reaching out to those beyond the church walls.  In so doing, we become active participants in the ministry efforts of those we support.  When we do this, as an old song by Ray Boltz once said, we should not be at all be surprised if we arrive in Heaven and find ourselves meeting someone who will say to us “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed”