Is Tithing Scriptural? - Part 3
As we conclude this article, let’s look again, and we repeat the word from above, “... “prosper ...”. It’s what you have above what you need to care for your family, to keep them fed, housed and clothed. Paul later also said,
1 Timothy 5:8; But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
I don’t believe Paul is or would be in conflict with himself since he is writing what God gave him.
There is a lot more to this question of giving which we won’t develop here. However, the fact remains, tithing is a misused and unscriptural word directed to Christians to generate funds.
10% is just a measuring stick, a place to start, for us today. It is not a “law” for believers. It is not a binding number for believers. Remember, these same folks that are talking about your duty to tithe, are the same ones that told you, you are free from the Law when you were saved. How does that work? Think about it.
When we can give more, and your church needs it, give more. But when those heavy, unexpected bills hit the family, we are expected to look at the family needs first.
Yes, we have that ever present promise of God that He will supply our needs when we ask, Philippians 4:19. But He is talking about providing for us. God does not need us to provide for Him.
The local Church, in this scenario, is our responsibility. It is an earthly thing which, like it or not, must be run on business principles. And we all know that money is a necessity. Through prayer, God will provide for it, if it is in His will. Sometimes what we want is not what God wants.
Good stewardship is not in deciding which glass chandelier will look best in the foyer. Good and proper stewardship is and insures the proper providing for those in the church, and some outside of it, above all other worldly things. Our giving should be directed by the Bible under the guide of the Holy Spirit.
To conclude, we should give as we are drawn to give by the Spirit of God which dwells within us. It is not Law. There is no scripture which identifies or requires a certain percentage to be given by Christians. It is a offering of any amount, given in the spirit of good will, and a proper attitude, to further the work of God, and with no expectation of reward for you actions.