Genesis 14:18-20 “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Tithing was happening five hundred years before God included it in the Mosaic Law.
Both Abraham and Jacob gave a tenth to God in an outburst of worship. Under the Mosaic Law it was a system, but for these men it was a heart-felt emotional matter.
Principle: For Christian businesspeople, tithing is not a legal matter; it is a matter of the heart, an act of worship.
Under the Mosaic system, tithes (plural) could amount to 20 to 35% of income. The tithe was used to support government as well as religious institutions.
Although we are not under the Mosaic Law, a greater standard of giving is found in the Epistles. All things considered, it seems that under grace the biblical minimum would be a tenth.
Randy Alcorn in an article in Eternal Perspective said this: “Ten percent is not some lofty goal, just a starting place, but starting is important. If you are uncomfortable starting at 10% because you think it is legalistic, start at 11 or 12% or 20 or 40%. But if you’re going to start at less than 10%, then realize you’re elevating the law over grace by saying that the law produced greater fruit in a poor culture than the transforming work of the Holy Spirit does in an affluent culture …”
A Barna poll found that only 3% of Christians tithe. In America 2007 (which was a good year), the average church member gave 2.6% of his income to the church. If the average American Christian tithed his income, the church would have another $143 billion a year. That would solve a lot of budget problems.
Many Christians give to charitable “religious” causes outside the church and also donate volunteer time, talent and other non-cash gifts. According to the I.R.S., the total amount given to all religious organizations in 2007 was $107 billion.
Give with gratitude – like Abram did with Melchizedek. Give to God what’s right – not what’s left.
Discussion:
1. Review your tax return for last year. How did you do?
2. What is the giving standard at the church you attend?
3. In your opinion, what is the right percentage for Christian giving today?
