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As Christians we sing songs and give testimony to the supposed fact that our life is not our own. We declare that all we have is the Lord’s and He owns it all. It sounds good when we sing and it certainly is impressive when we give testimony.

But do we actually know our heart? The Lord undoubtedly knows it, but the question is, do we know? And how can we be certain that we know our heart accurately? 

I find statistics fascinating. The following are a sampling of the most updated metrics we have concerning giving and tithing within the Christian community:

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For many believers, tithing feels analogous to taxation. In much the same way the government sets taxes to operate the bureaucracy, many see tithing as a divine tax to operate the church organization. While it is true that those monies are ultimately used for supporting the ministry, the problem is most Christians approach tithing like an HOA fee or membership dues. It’s the price of church membership and the amenities it provides. This mentality is what my previous article addressed. I tithe because of an Abrahamic principle (to Melchizedek) not Mosaic (Levitical).

I have found that tithing is deeply and profoundly spiritual. It is rooted in revelation. I can tithe for decades (and I have) but without faith and revelation it becomes solely an economic transaction. But if I practice it as revelation everything changes.

Which leads to Principle 1…

Money is spiritual.

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Some arguments assume that tithing came from Moses, and therefore vanished with Moses. That it was established in the Law and we are “no longer bound by law”.

But the key in my understanding is this. Tithing did NOT begin with Moses, nor is it connected to the law alone.

It existed hundreds of years before the Law, in a covenant that predates Israel, predates Sinai, and predates Moses, before there was a tabernacle, Levites or rituals.

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18–20.

Jacob vowed a tithe to God in Genesis 28:20–22.

Both of these “tithes” happened centuries before the Law.

So what, you may ask?

This…

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“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God with us).”

Isaiah 7:14

Sentimentalities abound during Christmas. The virtues of family, giving, selflessness and even romance (just ask Hallmark) are emphasized as the “reason for the season”. And lest I be labeled a Grinch, I will stipulate that some of these virtues are certainly worthy of being underscored and yes, I have seen the videos of spontaneous Carol singing at box stores across the country which certainly is encouraging. All of that being said, the day signifies something far more profound. It emphasizes the incarnation.

I realize people, even Christian people, can be uninterested in doctrine. The very word suggests in many people’s mind some theological technicality which probably has little connection to practicality. The depth of most people’s hermeneutic is the question, “What does that mean for me?” -or “What does it even matter in my life?” 

More than you might know… 

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Most people have heard of “The Billy Graham Rule” which is a personal conduct guideline followed by primarily male Christian leaders, to avoid being alone with women who are not their wives or immediate family members. Key examples could include never eating alone with another woman, nor traveling alone with another woman. In our era it might also include careful selection of personal assistants as in the case of the recently fired Michigan head football coach who sadly was discovered to be in an affair with his young assistant.

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