Tithing: Honoring the One Who Has Provided Everything

Tithing

There are many topics we discuss on here when it comes to finances. We primarily focus on budgeting, but we have also tried to branch out in other aspects of the financial well-being. These topics have delved deeper into the understanding of money, the emotional attachment, and in many cases some personal advice. However, we haven’t really discussed the religion on here and how finances fit.

For many of the readers, discussing religious aspects with money might come as unchartered territory. Whereas some are more comfortable with the idea. Finance Free Life is rooted in Christianity and the teachings of the Bible. If you are not of the same beliefs or background, it is okay. We are not here to force our religion upon you, but rather convey our understandings to reflect how we have built our financial foundation.

Why?

I have had many discussions with friends, co-workers, and strangers about the importance of tithing. Typically, when talking with those of the same mindset, these conversations are at a deeper level as we are able to discuss some of the intricacies of the Bible teachings. Others will be a more lengthy conversation and can often turn into a debate on the veracity of what I am saying and what God has asked us to do. The common question though is, “why would you waste you bother giving money to the church?” In short, the answer is simple, “It is what we have been asked to do to honor the Lord our God.” There is no big elaborate backstory or passed down traditional ceremony to do this. It is simply an offering of what we have been blessed with. Proverbs 3:9-10 reads, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Essentially, He is asking us to give honor and praise back to Him through this giving. This part is simple, right?

How Much?

Getting down to the cost of it. This is probably the biggest contention I receive for this topic of tithing. Many of us (myself included), hate to spend more than we have to. This is why, I believe, so many have a hard time giving money away. Thus, a tithe means a tenth. Therefore, we are to be giving a tenth of our assets as seen in Leviticus 27:30-33. However, many would argue this has been changed over the years as the context and time periods have changed (i.e. most no longer hold livestock and farms). As our primary source of wealth is derived from our own money, it would stand to reason we should be giving at least 10% of our income. Again, this can be especially difficult for those of us who do not agree with Christianity and who do not like overspending. The whole thing would seem pointless. After all, would you want to give $400/month out of your $4,000/month paycheck and not directly receive anything back for your money?

How Often?

This is probably the easiest one to understand, but still difficult in practice. We are asked to give the first fruits, right? How often do you get paid for the service you provide to the company who you work for? Your paycheck would be your first fruits. I would also argue first fruits would mean your gross income, not your net income. Matthew 22:17-21 discusses the importance of paying to the government (Caesar at the time) their share/taxes and giving to God what is God’s. It is reasonable to understand if you get paid every two weeks you should be tithing at least every two weeks with a tenth of your gross income. If you are like Jordan and me, we break out our monthly tithe weekly. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how you do it because God knows the intention of your heart and will know how you are choosing to honor Him.

Tithing and Religion – Comments

This has been a tough post I have been waiting for write for a while. Religion can be a tough topic to discuss over any platform in itself. Personal finance is another tough subject to discuss due to the personal nature of dealing with finances in your own lives. When adding the two together, the hard-hitting nature can be too much for some to come to terms with. However, I felt through our efforts for you all to get to know us, it was important for you to know and understand who we are, and how we operate as a family unit and as Finance Free Life