Taking tithe seriously.
#ToChristAlone
Discussion
Does the NT make a case for the tithe?
Not explicitly that I can think of. [2 Cor. 9:7-9](https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/2co/9/1/) is the go-to passage, I think.
This is a tough topic. Giving is a blessing to both giver and receiver, but all the TV grifters and especially the health-and-wealth, 'prosperity gospel' wolves have given it a bad name, and drawn (due) suspicion. As an Old School presbyterian, not a cent goes anywhere without congregatianal vote/consent. Everything out in the open, monthly reports, etc.
Iāve been thinking about this a lot recently.
A staff member of the local church I attend was casting vision for the tithe on Sunday and mentioned ātithing the first 10% of your increase.ā
Something about that didnāt sit well with me.
Itās biblical language:
You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.
āāDeuteronomyā¬ ā14ā¬:ā22ā¬ āNKJVā¬ā¬
The word āincreaseā is noteworthy. I donāt think most people in our congregation would say theyāre āincreasingā financially in any real sense (growing, gaining, making greater in size).
(I donāt need to explain the mechanics of why that is to anyone on Nostr lol)
When we casually use phrases like ā10% of your increase,ā thereās a risk it comes across as patronizing to those who are barely scraping by ā not because of poor stewardship, but because of systemic economic realities that erode their provision.
My concern is that without greater clarity around terms like tithe, increase, provision, etc., the church risks saying things it canāt really defend ā and unintentionally placing burdens on people itās meant to encourage.
Any thoughts on this,
nostr:nprofile1qqswm2tvhyawehtp4hsvr7wjhl0etfl8dncu4zvzpsuwdexw54wqcpgpzfmhxue69uhhwmm59e6hg7r09ehkuegpzemhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuvrcvd5xzapwvdhk6g6r8hk ?
A lot of thoughts, yes (ha), but the short version is:
- we're not under the Mosaic covenant so there's not a 1:1 between those specific laws and ours
- however, the general principle of giving, of 'the workman being worthy of his wages' obtains
- the NT encourages: a) giving; b) voluntarily; c) generously; d) cheerfully; e) regularly; even f) sacrificially (yet not irresponsibly)
Whether 'increase' is revenue or profit is debated; whether 10% is the ceiling or the floor, the idea is that we should be intentional and settled in our conscience about whatever amount we give. The purpose is gratitude, not merit; the use is for the expansion of the gospel and the (judicious) assistance of those in need amongst us (to all men, but especially the flock).
When we think about what the tithe represents it's rather insidious that the State 'takes' our firstfruits without our consent--but this is a side conversation and gets into our political philosophy.
Yeah the State taking 20-50% via taxes and then another ~10% via inflation is a different dynamic than people tithing in 1900 before all these taxes.
In a way itās more about practicing the virtue with intention than checking a box
Jesus asked āWhose image is this?ā When looking a denarius. And said then give back Cesear what is Cesears and to God what is Godā¦.Taxes aināt new
If youāre not sureā¦Test Him in this. He asks us too!!
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,ā says the Lord Almighty, āand see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
MALACHI 3:10
Commit yourself to it for a period and let us know what happens.
Don't overthink this.
1. Find your church.
2. Fund your church.
3. Live amongst your church.
I highly recommend Reformed Christian churches. Very based people. Very American. Very sound interpretation of Scripture. DYOR.
#ToChristAlone