The War on Tithes

Ever since I got my first job at the age of sixteen my parents instilled in me tithing to the church. They weren’t hard on me like a loan company; they just taught me the spiritual and physical reasons to tithe willingly to the church. For as long as I can remember there has been a debate between Christians on tithing. Some Christians tithe 10% or the amount they can afford faithfully while other Christians argue that tithing any percentage of their income is merely paying the pastor’s bills.

One of my former pastors gave a sermon saying that tithing is an Old Testament law and that Christians are no longer required to tithe. But, you should tithe willingly because God blesses us to bless the church. My current pastor gave a sermon saying that Christians are required to tithe. Not only should we tithe, but we should also give a sacrificial offering according to how we’ve been blessed.

I agree with both my former and current pastor. I agree that tithing is an Old Testament law, and we are no longer under the Old Testament law. That doesn’t mean that the Old Testament is irrelevant. Christians should still tithe because if you call yourself a Christian then you should be a member of a church. If you are a member of a church then it is your responsibility to help the church grow. One important factor in growing a church is through finances.

First, money keeps the foundation of the church. The mortgage and electric bills are paid with money. The church is a building just like your home; it is not powered by some electric angel. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying God’s spirit isn’t in the church. What I’m saying is the church is built and financed like any other building.

Second of all, the church is the only organization that does not charge for a membership fee. You join a country club, book club, or gym club most likely you will be charged a monthly membership fee. You can join a church for free. And, when I say to join a church I don’t mean by telling your friends you go to this church every Sunday, but actually give the church your personal information and have your name recorded in their records.

If you find a church that you enjoy and you become a member then you are now obligated to help maintain the church and help it grow. What I mean by that is not only being involved in church ministries like Sunday School, Bible Study, Choir, User Board–but also be a financial giver so the church can reach out to the community and grow.

Every quarter month my pastor gives a report on what the church money is spent on, a report of how many members we have, and how many members are tithing. He never gives names but said one church member doesn’t tithe at all. I would feel bad knowing that I am a church member and have no record of contributing to the church.

I’m not saying that only tithers should be recognize, or that your church membership should be revoked because you’re not tithing. Sometimes people go through financial struggles that make money tight and it is not my place to judge anyone according to how they tithe. But, the pastor knows which members are not tithing and whether it is out of greed or serious financial issues.

Therefore, if you are a Christian and a member of a church then you should tithe with a willing heart. Not with the mindset that you are just paying the pastor’s paycheck, or that you’re just paying the church’s maintenance bills and expect everyone else to use their money for that. Tithing is more so a spiritual gift to God. Even if you attend a church you are not a member of, or merely visiting a church once it is still honorable to tithe. You may not know how if that church is taking advantage of their congregations’ tithes and offering, but you can rest assure that God will bless you for your faithfulness.