7 Tithing Principles which have made a difference in my life (Principle 3)

I have found that people in general struggle with expectation and obedience. We resist wrestling and responding to the question, “What might God require of me?” That is the achilles heal of the grace heresy. There is a marvelous, wonderful, and freeing aspect of grace which accomplishes what you could never do on your own. Salvation is a free gift accessed through faith and not of works. Your righteousness is actually His righteousness both imputed and imparted. That is what we call, “Good News”.

But somehow we have turned the grace of God into a license to avoid obedience (Romans 6:1-2, Jude 1:4). Some twist and turn to avoid any aspect of obedience or expectation upon their walk with the Lord. Grace has become a “get out of obedience” card for them, rather than an “enduement of power” pipeline which enables a person to obey beyond their normal capacities (2 Corinthians 12:9). Obedience is seen as “works righteousness” rather than a natural fruit of God’s grace. Sadly, the principle of tithing gets caught in the crossfire.

Jesus does indeed own it all. As my wife used to teach the kids in Children’s Church, “When Jesus is Lord it means He is the boss and He calls the shots”. This isn’t theoretical lordship. He is Lord of ALL, including your finances.

This is important backstory to my practice of the tithe. As the Lord has prospered our house through the years, I began to see that I was enlarged in far more ways than a paycheck. Which brings me to principle 3:

I need to be COMPLETE in the tithe.

Malachi 3:10, instructs us to bring ALL the tithe into the storehouse. I was studying the passage one day in the Hebrew text and found that the word for “All” (KOI) can be translated, “every, whole, entire, total, or full”. Suddenly the question arose in my spirit and the Holy Spirit whispered, “Are you complete in your obedience?” You may have heard the saying, “Partial obedience is still disobedience”. There was something going on at this moment which left me with the feeling I was being incomplete in my obedience towards the tithe. Yes, I faithfully returned to God His tenth of the income He provided, but something was stirring in me. And as is often the case, the epiphany was simple. The Lord “enlarges and resources” me in far broader ways than my standard income.

For example…

…I have sold houses and made profit over the initial investment. 

…I have investments in stocks and other markets which have made me money through the years.

…I have been given love offerings, honorariums, and consulting fees.

…I have been given what seems like hundreds of gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, and appreciation moments.

…I have been given two cars in my lifetime.

…I have been given sacks of groceries in lean times, especially the early years of ministry.

…I (we) have received inheritances.

…I have received bonuses.

…I have earned interest on bank accounts.

…The list is really long.

And I have tithed on every financial enlargement. If I receive a product I endeavor to assign a “fair market value” and tithe accordingly. Call it crazy -or- call it complete. I have found the Lord to be true to His Word.

Now I need to say a couple things at this point:

1. Tracie and I have faithfully tithed and given offerings for years. Don’t judge what we have received when you have no idea what we have released. I would recommend using that same wisdom of withholding judgment even upon some of the so-called “prosperity” teachers. I don’t necessarily endorse them all. However, some of them have given exponentially into Kingdom work and for the poor and needy without fanfare. I know that personally. We can discern the message and decide not to receive it, but be careful judging preachers without knowing the full scoop.
2. This list isn’t a set-up for legalistically tracking your enlargement. I make no judgment upon anyone in their processing of the tithe. Do it -or- don’t do it. We all live with the repercussions of our theology. Be free and be happy. I simply received a revelation that the Lord was calling for the “whole, entire, total, full” expression of my obedience. He was emphasizing to me to be “complete”.

People have asked me through the years, what does or doesn’t qualify as “tithe-able” income. I can only answer for myself. I see financial resources in terms of enlargement. How has the Lord enlarged me financially? He certainly moves outside my employer or business to resource me. Why would this increase be exempt from acknowledging His ownership and gracious prosperity in my life? Is not faithfulness in finance before the Lord a conduit for the blessing “to come upon us and overtake us”? (Deuteronomy 28:2, Malachi 3:10)

I understand for many that the conviction I received about being “complete” can be overwhelming. For some it only solidifies their perspective of legalism. I wish I could better allay their feelings and theology because for me, it is a joy, not a burden. There is a settled peace that I have endeavored to “fully” obey.

Like I said, this has been insight and revelation for me. It is “honoring” the Lord and His amazing grace and favor.

More insight to come…