a drop of water

At Coast Vineyard this Sunday, Pastor Jamie covered the question “Why should I tithe?”  He addressed the topic in two parts, first discussing some of the myths about tithing and then discussing the opportunites in giving.  Here the notes from the sermon handout:

Common Myths about Giving

• Myth #1 – As long as we are giving, the amount we give does not matter.
• Myth #2 – Tithing is part of the law that doesn’t apply to followers of Jesus (Genesis 14:18-20; Luke 11:42).
• Myth #3 – We should give only when we have the resources.  (2 Corinthians 8:3)

Types of Giving in the Bible

• “Tithing” is giving 10% to the place we worship. (Leviticus 27:30; 1 Corinthians 16:2)
• “Offerings” or “Alms” are gifts we give to the poor. (Matthew 6:2-4)

The Opportunities in Giving

• Tithing is an opportunity to worship.  (Malachi 3:8-10)  
• Tithing is an opportunity to test God. (Malachi 3:10)
• Tithing is an opportunity to receive blessing. (Malachi 3:10)
• God promises protection to those who tithe. (Malachi 3:11)
• Tithing is an opportunity to witness. (Malachi 3:12)

Another idea that Jamie shared was that tithing not only still applies to followers of Jesus, but that it is a starting place for our attitudes.  Tithing is not the goal nor something to ignore.  It is a beautiful opportunity to trust God with our resources.  Stories of people like John Wesley and George Mueller,  and a lesser known friends, John and Rose Marie Renfro remind me that 10% is really only square one on the board game of life.  I remember John sharing with me about how they would annually increase the percentage of their tithes and how God would always provide for them even in dire straights.

The last thought that Jamie shared regarding the myths of tithing was that giving tithes to the church consists of a posture of surrender, especially when juxtaposed to donating to ones favorte nonprofit orgniazation, where we still cling to a feeling of control.  Like any investor, we want to have concrete evidence of what our resources are contributing towards and that idea sometimes runs against the grain of the feelings surrounding tithing.  But this is an opportunity to meet the fear of not having enough and surrender to God and acknowledge that he is in control.  With respect to Coast, Jamie did nention later that the financial books are open for those interested and that as we tithe we are taking part in each ministry at Coast like, love146, Thailand, InterVarsity, Youth, Branch, etc.

Ultimately we are giving to the giver, responding to the infinitely great gift in Jesus Christ.  In tithing, we acknowledge God as our LORD and king, and that we do not have any other.