TITHE AND TITHING
Tithe is one- tenth or ten percent over hundred part of one's income dedicated to God and the payment of it is referred to as “ tithing”. It is a specific amount that is one - tenth part of your income that you pay first to the church where you worship and are being fed spiritually and deriving spiritual benefits.
Tithing was part of Mosaic law and God promised to materially bless Israel for doing so.God intended it to be an avenue to blessing. There was biblical command to the Israelites to give one -tenth of their valued possessions to support the Levite priests.The LORD even spoke to Aaron " I give to the Levites all the tithe in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting." Num 18:21.The Israelites were presenting the tithe as an offering to the LORD. When the people were no more forthcoming as regards the tithe God spoke about it again and he attached blessings to it. He said to the descendants of Jacob. "Return to me, and I will return to you. 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 offering." You are under a curse- the whole nation of you - because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Mal 3:7-10.Brethren, here God was talking to the descendants of Jacob who are descendants of Abraham, and since we are also Abraham's descendants, this is also applicable to us. Therefore payment of tithe is not optional but an obligation for christians. It is a command from God.In the early days, during the time of Moses, Abraham and Jacob, tithing was of the land, grain, fruits, honey, sheep and cattle. Generally then it was from livestock or crops but tithing has shifted to a system of currency these days and money is now being paid. But in addition you can also tithe your time and talents by using them for the kingdom assignment in various ways viz: as in visitation and follow up of new converts and seeing them to mature Christians and making sure they abide; evangelism and crusades.
Tithing shows our appreciation for our loving God. The first instance of tithing in the Bible was when Abraham gave a tenth of his war spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God. Gen 14:16-20. And He blessed Abraham. Jacob, the grandson of Abraham was the second person mentioned in the Bible as regards tithe. He made a vow, saying,"If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey I am undertaking, and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." Gen 28:20-22.
Tithing is not obsolete or a thing of the past, therefore it should not be neglected. Jesus is much aware that people were tithing their possessions. He reminded them that in addition to tithing, justice, mercy and faithfulness are of paramount importance that should not be neglected as they seemed to have. Matt 23:23.Biblical statements about Tithe.Lev 27:30-" A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."Mal 3:10- "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.
Why Tithing?
It is a gift to God in appreciation for the many blessings he has bestowed on the giver.
It is an act of obedience to God's command.
It is part of our spiritual worship and biblical obligation and stewardship.
It enables you prove your faith that God is your source.
Benefits of Tithing.
It is a way of storing up treasures in heaven.God promised to open windows of heaven upon you and pour out blessings.God will rebuke devourers for your sake meaning that he will not allow your finances from being drained off by all sorts of things beyond your control.There shall be no miscarriage or losses, neither shall your vines cast their fruits before time.You shall be called blessed and you will be a delightsome land.
Uses of Tithe.
To support God's works and for the advancement of his kingdom.
To maintain the church and for development that may be going on in the church.For payment salaries of Levites, Priests, Pastors, Security guards and sextons.For charity through taking care of the widows, fatherless, homeless, sick and vulnerable.
Consequences of not Tithing.
Tithe should be paid regularly as soon as one has an income but if delayed, a fifth of the tithe should be added when paying to redeem it. Lev 27:31.One is said to be robbing God and under a curse. Mal 3:9.All the blessings attached to it will be missed. Mal 3:10-12.
Brethren, you are admonished to pay your tithe and see what God will do and actually he says test me in this, 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..
God is the source of your supply and is the one that gives you the ability to make wealth. Deu 8:18. Therefore it should not be difficult for you to give back to him one -tenth of what he has given you. It is equally important to know that offering is not the same as tithe. You owe tithe and you must pay it. God has made a command on it. When not paid, you are owing God. On the contrary, you don't owe God, offering. It is what you give over and above your tithe. Offering should be given voluntarily and cheerfully for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:7. No penalty is attached to it unlike tithe.
Prayer
Father, thank you for sending your word, it is through the word that we know your mind.Give us the grace to obey your commands and one of them is that we bring Tithe into the Storehouse so that there may be food in your house. Father, we don't want to be under curse and we don't want to be robbing you. Grant us the grace to pay our tithe as at when due. In Jesus' name we prayed. Amen.
