Honoring the lord with your substance
From the ancient church to the church we know today there has always been a need for consistent stewardship. There has certainly been from the very beginning, a responsibility and a need to fund the fellowship and to provide support for the work of ministry. The support from the ancient church times till now has come through the “godly”, charitable giving from members of the flock. To feed the hungry, and to provide for the widows and orphans, as well as others less fortunate, there has always been a need for a consistent stream of “financing” provided by the body.
There is a general perception, among most mainline protestant memberships, that in order to meet the needs of the church tithing is a requirement. The argument however, is a matter of interpreting the biblical instructions concerning tithing.
In the ancient practice tithing was understood to be the sharing of the spoils. A portion of the captured bounty from battle or conquer was separated and given as a religious offering or as a tribute or tax to a political authority. As earthly and divine authority was synonymous, it was common that funds for religious and political concerns were combined.
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 blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything”, gives an account of Abraham, then Abram, passing a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. However later in the book we find that Jacob promised a tenth would be given to God if he were to make it safely home. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking 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 all that you give me I will give you a tenth. (Genesis 28:20-22)
Abraham willingly gave a tenth while Jacob made a conditional covenant. Jacob’s covenant was contingent on God providing protection. In other words, Jacob made a bargain with God and if God met His end Jacob would fulfill his promise with ten percent.
Whether the argument is that the Bible clearly mandated tithing or a covenant practice that resulted from Jacob’s voluntary contribution as a result of God coming through with help, there is no arguing the moral duty as it relates to giving. The “Ministry of Giving” fills the coffers enabling the sacred work to be carried out.
The covenant of stewardship in the ancient church was God’s command to His people, that they bring a “tithe” to the “storehouse”. Some may argue that the “storehouse” did not necessarily mean the “church house”. There were most likely storehouses located throughout the community and probably what was stored in each was disseminated locally to those who were in need. It is however, not much that can be argued as it pertains to the requirement to bring the tithe and to fill the storehouse, wherever they may have been. Tithing was recognized as a means of affirming God’s ownership. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. (Haggai 2:8) The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; (Psalm 24:1) God owns everything! Tithing was recognized as a means by which the faithful could return, to God, a tenth of what He had already provided. “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30) God designated throughout the Old Testament that the first tenth, of all that the faithful was blessed with, be returned to Him. In fact, Abraham and Jacob both made a commitment to return a tenth to God prior to God giving the law to Moses. This is certainly a critical fact for those who would tend to disregard God’s command to tithe because of a misunderstanding that it was part of the law. A law, like others argued to have been fulfilled in Jesus.
The amount of the gift back to God seems to appear as Jacob promised to give God a tenth if he returned home safely. The Book of Exodus required only giving “first fruits”. “Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field” (Exodus 23:16). “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 23:19). The requirement was that the “best” of the first fruits be brought to the House of the Lord. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem clear as to whether or not the tithe was to be a specified percentage of the total to be given as first fruits or was a separate gift. It does however specify that the “best” was to be brought to the House of the Lord.
The instructions given in Deuteronomy 26:1-14 seem to indicate that the firstfruits and tithing are identical. Conversely, the passage in Nehemiah 12:44, “At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites”, gives the impression that the first fruits and the tithe were separate.
The Levites did not receive land in Canaan so they were awarded tithes for the services they provided. “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 18:21) The Levites separated a tenth from what they received and presented it as an offering to the Lord. “Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.” (Numbers 18:26)
There were also instructions to households, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22) The requirement was that the tithe be brought to the sanctuary, “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23). The tithes were to be put together to prepare a joyous, sacrificial meal. Households were instructed to bring an offering of ten percent of everything that grows, in the fields, into the presence of God. They were to bring the tithe to the place God designated for worship. There the faithful were instructed to eat from the cache of grain, wine and oil as well as the first-born animals from the flocks and herds. By following these instructions the faithful showed their reverence to God.
When households were too far away from the place of worship to transport the grain, wine, oil, and first born of the herd and flock, they were instructed to sell off the tithe and bring money to the place of worship. Once there, they could purchase what they desired and feast in the presence of God.
Tithing taught the faithful to revere God and it supported the poor as well as the work of the priests. Tithing indicated devotion to God. Withholding tithes and offerings was seen as robbing God; “"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8). The faithful were told to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and that in doing so, God would send down a blessing so much more than the tithe that there would not be room enough to receive it; 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 you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)
We find however, in our New Testament church, Jesus has turned His attention away from what we do on the outside and has refocused attention to what is inside. In other words, our “giving” is a wonderful expression of faith and duty, however it only meets what Jesus considers a true need when it is done with a charitable heart. Jesus focuses on our inner attitude; not so much on our doing as much as our being. Many in our congregations would argue, correctly, that nowhere in the New Testament is there a requirement for us to tithe, particularly as it relates to a command to give ten percent. However, there is a biblical requirement for those who preach to receive sustentation from the gospel; In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:14). There is also a requirement to collect to feed the poor and to clothe the naked; All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10a). Those who faithfully give can do so with the understanding that God is still the source of all that is given; “We give Thee but Thine own, Whatever gift may be: All that we have is Thine alone, A trust O Lord, from Thee.”[1] The faithful also understand, by faith, that God will in turn use the gifts to supply their needs. So the faithful giver does not participate in this most worthwhile ministry of “giving” as a matter of law but is inclined to participate with a glad heart. The amount of giving is based on a very simple formula; Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him (1Corinthians 16:2) This, of course, follows Jesus’ example of giving of our very best to the One who gave us His best. Following Jesus’ example, who gave His life, we should give what we are able based on how much the Lord has prospered us. We are asked to give generously (sow) as it will affect our harvest; Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) Ultimately, there will be a requirement to give an account to God: So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12) As it relates to sowing, one is cautioned to do so relatively discretely and certainly without seeking human approval; “Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)
There are three particular duties that we are reminded of as Christians. These duties, mentioned in the 6th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, include prayer, fasting and “giving”. We find that many Christians readily accept the responsibility to pray while, lamentably, the call for fasting and giving is not given as much priority.
The doing of 'acts of righteousness' (NIV) or charitable deeds (NKJV) or your alms (KJV) is basically giving to the poor; giving to those who have a difficult time meeting basic needs. It can be understood that giving in this instance is a requirement as Jesus did not say, “if you give alms”, but rather He said, “when”; “Therefore when thou doest thine alms” (Matthew 6:2). When we give, we are warned that it is not to be done with celebration and that seeking fanfare and earthly recognition will result in that being the only reward received. However, when the gift is given in secret, we are then laying up treasures in heaven: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:3-4) By giving now so that those less fortunate are taken care of, we are in effect, putting away treasures for eternity.
Giving has long been a critical mission and ministry in the church, particularly in the Methodist Church. Methodist preachers told of a Christ that Wesley had discovered at Aldersgate who offers an inner assurance of love causing the heart to be strangely warmed.[2] The message of the gospel and a call to repentance goes out to the poor, the disinherited, the unchurched and the uneducated. Each group of people is brought into a relationship with God and the church as a result of the loving acceptance, that is extended through the ministry of “giving”, bolstered by a commitment to provide for all of God’s children. A Church that does not have enough love to care about extending that life to others condemns itself as lacking the koinonia, the true spiritual church.[3] In other words, whatever else is listed among the qualities the church has, without a loving, giving spirit, it is not the Church of Jesus Christ.
Although there is no requirement in the New Testament to tithe there is still a “Charge to Keep and A God To Glorify”, A never dying soul to save And fit it for the sky”[4]
As we attempt to move forward, merging the ancient practice of giving with the call to the ministry of “giving” that exists in our current ministry context it bears mentioning that Jesus considered the stewardship of our finances and the resources we are blessed with as an indication of our trustworthiness with Spiritual things: “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11) As we show our ability to be good stewards over what God has blessed us with we will be trusted with the spiritual blessings that are certainly much more important. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)
The New Testament alludes to several things associated with tithing. There is reference to our responsibility as it relates to providing support for those who accept the call to ministry; In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:14). We must continue to embrace our charge to tend to the concerns of the poor and those less fortunate. We are to love one another: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35) Jesus, by example admonishes us to, if we love Him, feed the hungry and give drink to those who thirst: "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. (John 21:17). Jesus tells us that we are to provide for even our enemies: Therefore“ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; (Romans 12:20)
In a culture pervasive with selfishness, self centeredness and a general lack of concern for one another it is imperative that the church maintain a “storehouse” of provision to attend to the well-being of the widows, orphans and the less fortunate. This is the ministry that benefits the most through this ministry of “giving”. It is critical that an enormous amount of effort is spent bringing the membership to a point where they are able to trust God as the source of all that is given: Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10). The membership must return to the belief, by faith, that God is indeed able to supply their needs: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8); And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
In an attempt to reintroduce a concept of “giving” where there is an understanding of what Jesus expects of our service, we must somehow reinforce the notion that our “giving” must be done joyously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Apostle Paul suggests that giving is voluntary. As such, it should be understood that there is no set percentage attached to what we give. There is no prescribed amount. We should voluntarily and cheerfully give of our time, talent and our treasure.
What we give should be representative of a more than generous portion of God’s generosity to us. Following the example Jesus established for us, as He was content to give His all to show how much He loved and cared, even down to the surrendering of His life, we should very easily conclude that only our best will suffice. Studies seem to indicate that, in recent years, only a small percentage of members contribute at least ten percent of their income to the church. This percentage lamentably, appears to decrease yearly. Although several reasons are said to be attributable to this situation, one circumstance that most would agree is in the top three is the fact that younger members don’t feel the same conviction to give, as did their parents and grandparents. Many younger members are less inclined to lend as much of their spare time to the work of the church as their relatives before them did. Some even question the ten percent concept wanting to know just who came up with the figure and why should it be considered the authoritative amount. However, we should be encouraged by Jesus’ example to give, what and how much we will, based not on any written requirement or quota but rather on our hearts desire to express our love and devotion to Jesus. Just as, being polite, we thank others who help us or give us gifts, we should not hesitate to thank God for every good thing He allows us to have.
Our giving is not like paying a bill. There is record of our service rendered however it is not used to bill us for an amount commensurate with the grace and mercy we have been afforded or adding penalty for our failure. Our telephone usage is tracked and an invoice is issued demanding payment for what we have used. The invoice clearly spells out the amount we are to pay, calculated as a percentage of the time we used. We are also given instruction as to when the payment must be made. Certainly it is not the phone company’s intent that what we pay be left up to us. What we are obligated to pay is based on the cost of what we used. The “haves” and the “have-nots” are charged equally for the same amount of time used. God however, requires that we prayerfully examine our blessing and out of that bounty a fair percentage be returned for the ongoing of the kingdom building work we are called to do. We are to give according to our blessing; For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; (Luke 12:48b)
In an attempt to make sense of the responsibility to respond favorably and cheerfully with our gifts in giving, we must first acknowledge that God is as good now as God has always been. Certainly we must return to the understanding that this same God, who has given us nothing less than His best deserves nothing less than ours. We must also embrace the notion that while necessary to attend to the fiscal issues and concerns that present themselves in ministry, “giving” is not simply a matter of returning money. There are so many other things that we have been blessed with in addition to the material gifts. We are called to give back in proportion to all that has been given to us.
We know Jesus as a forgiving servant. Certainly if we have been forgiven we owe a portion of forgiveness to someone else. We know the Lord as one who has, in many instances, waited patiently on us while we continuously serve Him dose after dose of broken promises and vows we failed to keep. It should not be a surprise to us that we are expected to extend that same level of patience, looking beyond the faults and failings of someone else. God has been wonderful to not judge us by our imperfections. Our reasonable portion returned is that we be not so quick to condemn others when they are less than perfect in their dealings with us. People have done us wrong, lied on us, drug our names through the mud and have shown no signs of stopping. Certainly not so much unlike our continuing to do and say things we know are contrary to what God would want from us. We understand that we are forgiven; “Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18). We are forgiven when we ask God, Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1). Our reasonable “giving” in return should be a willingness to have the same kind of mercy, according to our own lovingkindness and tender mercy, toward someone else.
The ministry of “giving” done anew, while embracing some of the ancient church tradition, should clearly address practical concerns that our postmodern membership might more readily give attention to. If God has provided any sort of healing, if there has been an apparent miracle worked it should open the door for serious conversation about the need to serve. Certainly, any open and honest discussion about serving will ultimately lead to methods by which ministries are funded and one obvious source of support is the ministry of “giving”. A ministry that we all must be involved in if we are sincere about our efforts to get the work for God accomplished. It is a fact that the church cannot operate fiscally or spiritually, broke.
God has done so much for each of us. All among the membership who profess to have a relationship with the Lord quite possibly know the Lord in a way quite different than others. Some know the Lord as a healer, some as a way out of no way, some as an answer to some heartfelt prayer. The Lord has helped in many ways and those He has helped should be willing to serve however, wherever and whenever. The willingness to serve ought to come from a glad heart, a glad mind and a willing spirit. Service should not be for recognition but rather we should volunteer for service recognizing that God has been good, God is still good and God will forever be good.
As much as I believe that tithing and giving are a part of the personal relationship that one has with the Lord, as a pastor I am compelled, following the instructions given in the Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to speak periodically on the subject of tithes and offering and the rules of giving. Tithing is recognized as the official doctrinal stewardship position of the A.M.E. Church.[5] It is the position of the connection that every local church should work toward a full tithing commitment. To that end each church is mandated to appoint a Committee on Stewardship and Tithing. It is further mandated that the pastor address the subject of tithing once a month in a sermon, workshop or other presentation. The Presiding Elders, on their visits to the church, are asked to admonish the membership reminding them of the doctrinal position. The Presiding Bishop is instructed, by the Doctrine and Discipline, to admonish the church at the Annual Conference and give specific encouragement to the membership to become regular tithers.
Unfortunately, there is still something missing. All members have not embraced tithing. Churches are left to support the ministries of the church through bake sales, rallies, chicken dinners and special services called by whatever name however designed to raise money. As we strive to bring this ancient church practice into a “new “ church mindset we must continue to educate and encourage. There must be an understanding among the leadership and the followship that Christ founded the church and gave His life for it. No matter how we get the work done, the work is undone until God’s will for His church is accomplished. To continue the kingdom building work we are required to share our earthly blessing. The question from those who wish to serve is invariably, “What does God require?” A simple answer can be found in the Summary of the Decalogue that reminds us to “Love the Lord with all of our heart, soul and mind. And to love our neighbor as ourselves.” In loving God we must support the Love of His only Son Jesus. Jesus loved the church, He worked for the church, He served the church and He died for the church. In loving our neighbor we must respond to their needs. If they are hungry we must find a way to feed them. If they are thirsty, we must find a way to get them something to drink. If they are without clothing, our task is to find what they need. Certainly, if our neighbor is without shelter we must aide in any way possible. All this benevolent ministry service requires financial support. We cannot do the work the church is charged to do without “meat in the storehouse”
One thing God requires of us, whether it is ten percent, twenty percent or what ever percent is appropriate from what has been “laid by in store, as God has prospered” (1 Corinthians 16:2), is that we “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there be meat in My house, and prove me now, says 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”
It is difficult sometimes to convince “new” church Christians that there is any need to be obedient to what they clearly consider Old Testament legalism. There are some among the congregation who have reached their own conclusion about tithing and having done so they have become thoroughly committed to the answer they have embraced. We must approach the subject with a “shepherd’s heart”. There will be a need to be patient, taking time to nurture and explain in such a manner that would help forge a better understanding and answer the questions that come up. One reason we meet such radical resistance in instructing about tithing is that many times we just don’t use our own devotional life as an example. We can certainly attest to the fact that, while facing some of the same financial struggles that other members face, tithing remains to be a lifestyle in our family. God has certainly responded positively to that level of faith.
While it is true that the New Testament does not challenge, disapprove or set aside the ministry of tithing, there are many principals in the New Testament that serve to support the intent. Certainly we can look to the under girding principals described throughout the New Testament that clearly provide support to divine ownership and human stewardship particularly as it relates to ones relationship to the other.
We cannot stop preaching about the need to bring our best to God. We must prepare ourselves, through prayer, asking God for the ability to properly explain tithing and giving so that we might move our congregation to grow in the grace of “giving”. If we say we love God then we must recognize that we cannot out give God. However, if in fact we consider God first in all that we do, if we consider God first in our affection then certainly He cannot be last in our budget.
Finally, as we merge this ancient church practice comfortably into our “new” church tradition we must clearly proclaim that tithing is not just about money. Our teaching thrust must be to move the congregation to an understanding that tithing is about obedience and about thanksgiving for all that God has already provided and what He has already done for us. Tithing is about having faith in God’s faithfulness. There is a joy in “giving”. We will find joy as the hungry are fed and the poor are given new hope. However, we will experience much more joy in faithfully entrusting our resources to a resourceful God, honoring the Lord with our substance.
[2] William B. McClain: Black People in the Methodist Church (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1984) 15.
