Tithing

I recently saw a statistic that practicing Christians in North America give about 2.5% of their gross income to the church. Without going into too many specifics I would say that number is similar, though not the same, to the majority of my own giving history. Like most Christians I too have struggled to faithfully tithe. Which is odd considering God promises to provide for a Christian’s needs (even if the Christian doesn’t tithe!). If you’re a practicing Christian you’re familiar with the scriptures on tithing, there’s no reason to hash them out here. But for the uninitiated: God promises that if a Christian gives joyfully and generously, he will generously meet that person’s needs. 
(There is ongoing debate as to whether Christians are required to tithe. My response is: for the first time in history, humans (in the West) aren’t living subsistence lifestyles. If many subsistence-living Christians gave at least 10% in the past then what should we give, considering our historically amazing wealth in the West? Seems 10% of our gross income is a good starting point.)

There’s a whole rats nest in the idea of giving and receiving back from God. It’s important we understand God promises to meet our needs. That doesn’t mean he will simultaneously increase our wealth. He may, but that’s not what he promises. He may also allow our stock portfolio to crash while maintaining our monthly cash flow. He’s God; he can do what he pleases. We ought always keep this in mind, especially with the prevalence of “health and wealth” style preaching. God’s continual meeting of our needs tends to keep us spiritually aware of our need for him, which deepens our faith in him, and leads to an outward love of those around us (the whole point of Christianity!)

 

So I am baffled as to why we Christians don’t tithe, when we know God will always meet our needs. Well, I know why I typically haven’t tithed: I don’t think God can/will provide in my circumstance. My circumstance is unique, I say! But, knowing what I know about the character of God (unchanging; God who provides; knows everything and ordains everything), doesn’t it make sense that I should tithe? What would happen to myself and my family if I tithed? Really, what would happen? Would we go broke? Would we not be able to retire? 

These thoughts, and the scripture related to tithing, have been bouncing around my head and heart for quite a while. 

So we decided earlier this year to start tithing at least ten percent of our gross income. Obviously the specific percentage is private (a long standing custom in Christianity based on Christ’s teaching on how to give). This was a tough decision. We live in the Washington, D.C. area, the second most expensive area in the country. We are paying down graduate school debt. Our daughter’s daycare/preschool costs about one Kia a year – and it’s the cheapest care around. This year I started a new business with inconsistent income. Basically, we are normal people as far as I can tell. 
And the sky has not fallen. We can feel the pinch, of course, and there are days (weeks?) where I stress out needlessly, but we can also see the Lord providing for us. Whether it’s through expense reductions (most common), increased income (rare, but always welcome), or new job/business opportunities, we see the Lord provide in his time, and in the manner he chooses. 
So I would encourage every Christian who is able to begin 2017 by tithing at least 10% of their gross income. The Lord is unchanging and he will meet your needs!