How Much Is Enough?
When preaching last Sunday, I gave some principles for giving that I thought reflected 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15. Some feedback has been: “you still did not tell me how much. Do I tithe or not?”
A 10% tithe is an Old Testament instruction given to specifically answer that questions: how much? (Lev 27:30). God often gave people what they asked for in the Old Testament; or what He deemed they need (i.e. a King or the law). Christ came saying the Old Testament law is fulfilled in himself (Matt. 5: 17).
I believe this means basically two things:
- Outdated laws have been dropped
- Dietary restrictions
- Sacrificial instructions
- Multiple ceremonial laws
- Etc.!
2. Significant laws have been elevated to heart status:
- Do not murder — to do not hate.
- Do not commit adultery — to do not lust
- Sabbath made for man not man made for the Sabbath
- Eye for an Eye — to do not resist an evil person.
- Hate your enemy — to love your enemy.
- Etc.
So when it comes to tithing I conclude it either is outdated and needs to be dropped. . . or it has been elevated to a heart status where the standards have been significantly raised.
What do you think?
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I think that a 10% tithe is a good starting point. If your heart and or God leads you to give more then 10% then you need to listen to both and give more. Just remember to do it with a joyful heart!
10% is a guideline without which people would have no specific direction to draw on. But it is clearly not “the” right amount for everyone. We should give as the Spirit leads us to do. At times we may be called to give substantially more than 10%. Everything belongs to God. We are stewards and should contribute faithfully. God loves a cheerful giver.