When I began my tithing journey 48+ years ago I found that, like many believers, what I didn’t understand about the principle, I simply “made up”. Instead of studying, praying, and seeking for the truth, I sort of filled in the blanks with personal pragmatism. I defined concepts using my own thoughts and definitions instead of Bible concepts, principles, and precepts.
For example, many people use the word “tithe” as a synonym for “giving”. As one man said to me years ago, “I tithe and I figured it up that last year my tithe is around 7 percent of my income”. Another person said (whom everyone was well aware their income was a solid 6 figure), “I tithe $100 monthly.” Again, one can affirm any amount of generosity and be grateful for it. But as sensitive as some people are over the concept of “replacement theology”, there is also an active “replacement stewardship” at work in the Body of Christ at large. We “replace” and “redefine” concepts which have no small degree of clarity in the Scriptures.
Principle 6 and 7 are closely related and will splash over on each other and address some of the pragmatism which has cemented itself in many believer’s minds. Principle 6 is “Where do we tithe?”, and the next post (principle 7) is “Do we direct the tithe?” I will prepare you, this concept was revelatory for me and not everyone will agree, but as the title of these posts declare, this is what has made a difference in MY life.
The short answer to “Where do I tithe?”, is simply…the storehouse. (See Malachi 3:8-12)
The proceeding question now becomes, “What or Who is the storehouse?”
The answer for me was found in understanding the purpose of tithing under the Old Covenant. As we have already mentioned, tithing existed hundreds of years BEFORE the Law was established -AND- we see it finding its way into the New Covenant as Jesus affirms the practice (Matthew 23:23) and then goes through the Cross and mentioned by the writer of the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 7). So, there is continuity to the practice from the Old to New Testaments. The key for me was understanding its purpose.
For the sake of space, I must synopsize what could become quite lengthy by simply stating, that the Levites received the tithes of the Israelites. The priest, and descendants of Aaron, received the tithes of the Levites. (See Numbers 18:21-28 and Nehemiah 10:35-39) These tithes were representative of the agrarian culture which existed at the time and of which the economy transacted its business. These tithes were how those who labored in the House of the Lord were supported. Now at this point, a key concept needs to be emphasized. The tithes were to support THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, not to perpetuate an institution. Listen carefully, I am not suggesting that institutions, even religious ones, are not worthy to be supported. I am simply suggesting that the original purpose of the tithe went to the laborers in the ministry. This is certainly illustrated by the verses above, as well as the initial picture we see concerning the tithe as Abraham presented his tithe to Melchizedek. The tithe was returned to a person or persons, not a building or organization.
Through the years, those who have practiced tithing as an obligatory fee to the church to keep the organization running have missed the revelatory point. Yes, your church building and associated expenses have to be financed, but your return must be done in faith and revelation. Your “storehouse” isn’t cement blocks, bricks and mortar, carpet and tile, computers and technology, and the mechanisms of the organization. Your storehouse is a person or people. Who resources you spiritually, prays for you consistently, and ministers to you regularly.
- Before the LAW, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in response to his ministry to him.
- Under the LAW, the children of Israel tithed to those who ministered to them, the Levites.
- The Levites, in turn, tithed to those who ministered and served them, Aaron and his descendants.
I began to see that the principle of the storehouse was the person (or people) who ministered to me. The question becomes, “When did that precept ever change?” My eventual response was, “It hasn’t”.
For example:
- The early church laid the offerings at the Apostles feet (Acts 4:35-37).
- Paul writes and defends the support of the ministry by the resources of those who have received from it (I Corinthians 9:7-11).
- Paul tells Timothy that those who labor in Word and doctrine are worthy of “double honor” and “wages” (I Timothy 5:17-18).
So, how does this work practically? What does this look like in an era of skepticism and non-integral ministers?
- Believers return the tithe to their elders in their local church who administrate their distribution biblically and integrally. (Note: You returned the tithe to persons)
- Depending on whom the senior elder, pastor, minister is submitted to, they should tithe to their person of accountability.
- Alms offering should be received regularly for the support of the poor and needy.
- There are certainly ministries, missions, and para-church organizations which are worthy of prayerful consideration of freewill offerings.
- Building and maintaining buildings MIGHT be underwritten by the administration of tithes by the eldership in a local church, but wisely should not drain the finances needed for the work of the ministry. Sacrificial and free-will offerings should have a place in these matters. That appears to be a better biblical pattern.
I will conclude at this point and pick the rest up under principle 7.
***********
No Comments