the basic message # E24
Malachi 3:7-8
Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings.”
I’ll probably get some angry emails from pastors this week, but the topic of tithing needs to be addressed by someone without a vested interest. Remember that Malachi is an Old Testament book and that tithing was an Old Testament law. What did Jesus say?
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices- mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Yes, Jesus does indeed tell the religious bigwigs of his day that they should tithe, but look at the emphasis in the passage. He clearly tells them that they should be focusing on justice, mercy and faithfulness. If God really wanted our money, he could simply not give it to us to begin with. Ever hear the saying, “God loves a cheerful giver”? Keep reading-
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
How many people tithe as a guilt-laden directive from their pastor? People begin to ask questions like, “Must I give 10% of my before tax, or after tax income?” or “Isn’t part of my income tax considered part of tithing? After all, some of it goes to help the poor and homeless.” Friends, when we start this kind of nit-picking, we have effectively negated the true purpose of tithing. By now, you must think I don’t give a nickel to the church. On the contrary, I very much believe in giving back to God. I don’t like the concept of tithing since it “keeps score” on how I’m doing. It’s legalistic and it’s law. In the above passage, Paul tells us that Jesus doesn’t want our money, he wants us to follow him. Many people will gladly give money to Jesus, but won’t even begin to consider following Christ. Please don’t quit giving to your church. The pastor must support himself and his family. The mortgage must be paid, and others must be paid each month. But- beyond this, where does the money go? The church should sponsor needy kids who can’t afford to pay for youth outings, but parents who can afford to pay, should pay. Otherwise, they’re simply getting a rebate on their giving. One last thought that will surprise you: I firmly believe that the more you give to God, whether money, time or resources, the greater he will bless you. But it must be done with a cheerful heart. Don’t limit yourself to only giving to your church. Thousands of great ministries exist in this world that need your financial help. Radio and TV ministries are the only contact with God that millions have. Someone has to foot the bill. Foreign missions are always in financial need. You probably have a homeless shelter or soup kitchen in your town. Search them out and ask what needs they have. And most of all, be a cheerful giver.