Gravity And Un-corruptness Demanded In Tithing
Recently many people have taken up the issue of tithing in newspapers, television and social media, debating and pushing their views but unfortunately there is no sincerity in most of these contributions. We have been instructed that the Christian youth be a pattern in good works pointing the necessity of in-corruptness, gravity, sincerity and sound speech. We discover that these virtues or ingredients are lacking in most voices ringing out on tithing (cons. Isa. 8:20; Jn. 10:4, 5; Gal. 1:8-9). Ignorance and lack of true knowledge are always responsible for the wrong steps of many children of God but for the genuine Christian youth, we are ever furnished with necessary information for our Christian work and walk. Let’s get into details on the Christian tithing.
Tithing: (Heb. 7:1-2, 5-9; Gen. 14:18-20; Mal. 3:8-12)
The first aspect of serving God with our substance is to give Him that part of our substance (income) that belongs to Him; namely: our tithes. Tithing means “giving one-tenth of one’s gross income/gain or profit to God, that is, into God’s treasuring”. For those who argue that tithe giving has been abrogated with the law, it should be noted that the principle of tithing did not begin with the law but had been there long before the law and could not have been abolished with the law (cp. Gen. 14:18-20; 28:22; 28:22).
Before The Law: The ordinance dates back to the time of Abraham, before the law of Moses was given (Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22).
During The Law: The people were commanded during the law to pay tithes for the upkeep of the priests, the tabernacle, etc. (Heb. 7:5; Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21; Deut. 12:6; 2Chron. 31:5; Mal. 3:10).
In The New Testament: In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus set a seal on it (cp. Matt. 23:23).
Tithing is a serious, sacred duty every true believer owes his God, even in this New Testament dispensation. This is because :-
* It was enacted before the law by the practice of the patriarch (Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22).
* Every ordinance of the Lord, given during the law except those abrogated by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ are still tenable.
So we should pay our tithe not as a fulfilment of obligation, but in showing appreciation to God who has given us all things we have, including our lives. The truth remains that no one can out give God, so giving to Him should be seen as a privilege (cons. 1Cor. 4:7; Rom. 11:35-36). To refuse to give tithe or to choose to give less than one-tenth is an abuse of grace (2Cor. 6:1). It is as the sin of theft and that from God, carrying some great retribution as specified by the Lord (Mal. 3:8-9). On the other hand, paying tithe correctly and promptly carries great blessings also as stipulated by the Lord (Mal. 3:10-12; Prov. 3:9-10).
Note: Tithing is distinct from free will offerings, pledges and vows (Lk. 6:38; 2Cor. 9:6-10; Eccl. 5:4-5). Never allow economic situation, greed or love for money lead you to neglecting or delaying obedience to this ordinance. No saved youth should say “I am a child” and avoid it (Jer. 1:7). The Watchman youth must be a pattern of good works, precept and practice of tithing.
*** Can you consider this? If what many some people are saying today that tithe is not necessary and I happily pay it, at the end of the day, it is discovered that they are right, what do I lose? But if at the end of the day, they are wrong and I find out that there are retributions for disobeying God’s injunction, what would become my fate for not obeying. Christian youth, be wise.
God bless you.