In a world obsessed with accumulation and self-preservation, there’s a countercultural idea that challenges our very understanding of ownership and prosperity. It’s an ancient practice with modern implications, one that invites us to reconsider our relationship with money and, more importantly, our relationship with God.
The concept of tithing – giving the first 10% of our income to God – isn’t just a religious ritual. It’s a profound statement of faith, trust, and gratitude. But why does God, the creator of the universe, care about our money? The answer might surprise you.
Throughout scripture, we find that God speaks about money, wealth, and possessions over 2,300 times. That’s more than topics like prayer (650 times), love (300 times), or even repentance (200 times). Jesus himself dedicated 11 out of 39 of his recorded parables to this subject. Clearly, our approach to finances matters deeply to God.
But tithing isn’t about God needing our money. It’s about us needing to give. When we tithe, we’re making a powerful declaration:
1. “God, take control of my finances.” It’s an act of surrendering our grip on what we often consider “ours.”
2. “Thank you, God.” It’s an expression of gratitude for all He has provided.
3. “I trust You more than I trust myself.” It’s an acknowledgment of God’s wisdom over our own.
4. “I’m trustworthy and can handle more.” It’s an invitation for God to entrust us with greater blessings.
The practice of tithing is as old as faith itself. We see it with Cain and Abel in Genesis, where Abel’s offering of his best was pleasing to God, while Cain’s lesser offering was not. We see it with Abraham, who gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek. And we see it explicitly commanded in Malachi 3:10, where God challenges His people:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and 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.”
This is the only place in scripture where God invites us to test Him. It’s a divine dare, a cosmic challenge to see if He will remain faithful to His promises.
But what about the New Testament? Didn’t things change after Jesus? In Matthew 23:23, Jesus himself affirms the practice of tithing while emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faithfulness: “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”
The early church continued this practice, with believers bringing their money and laying it at the apostles’ feet. It was through this generosity that the gospel spread and lives were changed.
Yet, tithing isn’t a requirement for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works or our giving. Tithing is a response to salvation, not a prerequisite for it. It’s an act of obedience and trust in a God who has already given us everything.
Consider the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus. All were physically healed, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you whole.” There’s a profound difference between being healed and being made whole. Tithing is part of that journey towards wholeness.
But what if we’re struggling financially? What if we can barely make ends meet? This is where faith comes in. God doesn’t ask us to give what we don’t have, but to trust Him with what we do have. Remember the widow who gave her last two coins? Jesus commended her faith, saying she had given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty.
Imagine the impact if more people embraced this practice. What could our communities look like? How many more lives could be touched? How much more could be done for those in need? The potential is staggering.
Yet, tithing isn’t just about the impact on others. It’s about the impact on our own hearts. It’s a practical way of declaring that God is more important than our money. It’s a tangible expression of “seeking first the kingdom of God.”
For those who have practiced tithing consistently, the testimonies are powerful. Stories abound of God’s faithfulness – of bills mysteriously paid, of unexpected provision, of peace that surpasses understanding even in times of lack. These aren’t prosperity gospel promises, but real-life experiences of God’s people trusting Him and watching Him work.
The challenge, then, is this: Are we willing to take God at His word? Are we ready to put Him first and bring our best? It’s not about the amount, but about the heart behind it. It’s about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and belongs to God.
In a culture that screams “more, more, more,” tithing is a revolutionary act. It’s a declaration that we serve a God who is more than enough. It’s a step of faith that says, “I believe You, God, and I’m going to live like it.”
As we reflect on this ancient practice, let’s consider our own relationship with money and with God. Are we holding too tightly to what was never ours to begin with? Are we missing out on the blessings that come from obedience and trust?
Remember, God is not after our money. He’s after our hearts. And often, our hearts follow our treasure. Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?
The invitation stands: Put God first. Bring your best. And watch as He opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings beyond what you can contain. It’s not just about money – it’s about experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. Will you accept the challenge?