The Secret of Tithing

Proverbs 3:9-10 "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine."

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 "You must set aside a tithe of your crops---one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship--the place the Lord your God chooses for His name to be honored--and eat it there in His presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God."

1 Corinthians 4:2 “This is all about stewardship. "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful."

A tithe is 10% of your income given specifically to your local church. It should be given to God faithfully (Fun fact: The word tithe means tenth in Hebrew.) Because the custom of tithing is biblical, many Christians and Jews practice it as part of their faith. Tithing honors the Scriptural principles of generously providing for religious leaders, giving to those in need, and laying up treasures in heaven.

As Christians, we are challenged to set our hearts on what truly matters, not on the frivolous things of the earth. (Colossians 3:1–2.) Jesus challenged His disciples, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).

Giving a tithe and giving beyond the tithe are ways that you can honor God and reach out to meet the needs of others. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, said the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

These verses reminded us of a 10% tithing from everything we received, may it be in cash or kind. I know and understand how hard to obey God with this amount of tithe most especially when we are just earning enough only for our daily consumption. I've been there and done that act when I was a Roman Catholic then. It was so hard for me to give tithes of 20 pesos than spending it on my vices that costs 100 pesos. I always lack finances and other resources because of my spending habit that's why it became a burden every time I attended Eucharistic Mass.

In 2018, the year I was baptized as a Born-Again Christian, one of the Pastors lead a service and revealing his secret of success, the 10% tithing. It hit me so hard that I felt guilty throughout the day and that starts my obedience to God through a 10% tithe from my salary, commissions, gifts, and others. I am just earning enough for our daily needs, but I tell you, we never lack. God provides most amazingly. Blessings and opportunities came and are still flowing now and that's because of the goodness of God.

Tithing can be a Priority in different ways:

1. Prayer

As we said, tithing is more of a heart issue than a financial one. If you’re struggling with the idea of tithing or giving, spend some time asking God to give you wisdom around the topic and show you ways that you can help others—or even just be more generous. Even if giving doesn’t come naturally, prayer can help soften our hearts and refocus our intentions.

2. Monthly Budgeting

A monthly budget forces you to pay attention to your money. So before the month begins, create your zero-based budget (where your income minus expenses equal to zero) by giving every dollar a place to go (rent, groceries, saving, etc.). This is also the perfect time to make giving a priority for the month ahead. By immediately putting aside 10% of your income for tithing, you can plan better. This also might be a good time to create a “random giving” category for those moments you want to help someone at the spur of the moment.

3. Online Giving

Many churches have gotten on board with more convenient ways to tithe. Your church may have a way to give online or on your phone. It may even have an app that allows you to set up automatic withdrawals each month or give even when you can’t find your checkbook. But these tech options aren’t the only ways to give. Maybe you prefer writing a check or giving cash each month because it’s a physical reminder of the money you’re taking out of your wallet and giving away. As long as you’re giving, there’s no wrong way to do it!

4. Sponsoring a Child

There are many sponsorship programs that all have similar features. Regardless of the program, I can think of fewer ways that are easier to impact a life than paying as little as $22 per month. For this small amount, a poor child gets a more comfortable living environment and a better education that helps them out of systemic poverty.

5. Funding a Mission Trip

Similar to my experience, many people hope to travel to make a meaningful impact and lack of funding. Contributing to something like this not only has an obvious impact (they can travel) but often are changed for life.

6. Food Pantry

Regardless of where you live, there is most likely a need for food to be given to homeless and lower-income individuals and families. Being in that position causes enough stress; having to worry about where your next meal is even worse. If you can contribute towards such a cause, I don’t see God holding it against you.

If you’re struggling to fit tithing into your budget or just wish you had more money to give, Financial Peace University (FPU) is a great place to start. With lessons on budgeting, saving, investing and more, FPU will teach you how to destroy debt and define a clear path for your finances—so you can build wealth and give like no one else!

Tithing is one way to worship God—to honor Him as your provider and remind yourself that all your resources belong to Him and are provided through His grace. As you give away that first 10% of your income, you set your course to honor God in the way you handle the rest of your finances.

Your motives for giving are important to God. “Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God can make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”

(2 Corinthians 9:7–8). Give with the expectation that God will faithfully supply whatever you need so that you can abound in good works!

The practice of tithing provides a regular reminder of your dependence on God. In good times, tithing helps you remember that God is the source of all blessings, and it allows you to demonstrate your gratitude for His care. In hard times, tithing motivates you to remember God’s faithfulness, and it enables you to demonstrate trust in God to provide for all your needs.