Even years later, my post on "does tithing work" continues to be the most read and commented post of all time. There are as many views on this subject as there are people who read it. A very popular belief is that tithing is in the Old Testament and therefore doesn't apply to us. Well that comes straight from your theological foundation. Yes, I know we are under the Covenant of Grace now. Thank God that He did what He did when He sent Jesus. But, being under the Covenant of Grace does not mean that the Covenant of Works no longer exists. On the contrary, man still must obey the Law. In fact, Paul writes in Romans that the "Law is good". The Law points us to our need for Jesus. We can not accomplish what the Law requires. It's impossible. We are corrupted by our sin. But thank God that the Covenant of Works is not dependent on both parties fulfilling the obligations. God upholds His end even though we don't uphold ours. Jesus made a covenant with the Father on our behalf, He said even though man won't fulfill the Law, I will do it for them. Now, let's talk again about tithing. Tithing is biblical. Jesus said that we ought to tithe. I don't believe tithing is just necessarily part of the Law. It's not just a command, it's a spiritual law or principle. When you give generously, God gives to you generously. The law is already in motion. God doesn't have to look down and say, "Troy tithed today, I think I will bless him." When I give cheerfully it is returned. I'm not talking about giving to get. If your motives for giving are so you get more, it ain't gonna happen. It's all about the heart. Everything is given to you by God. He does ask for 10% back as an act of trust and obedience. You can argue with it all you want but that's the way it is. In fact, Abram, before he had a covenant with God and before the law was ever written, gave 10% of all he recovered to Melchizedek, "a priest of the Most High God". I personally don't even stop at a tithe, I give way more than 10%. I've seen many who grudgingly give exactly 10%, down to the penny. If you are not giving because you love God and trust Him to do what He says, then don't bother. As for me, I give. Regularly. Quickly. First thing when I get paid. Not because I'm a pastor. Not because someone told me to. Not because I think God will smash me if I don't. I love Jesus. Jesus was the most generous person who ever lived. We are commanded by Him to be like Him. That means although I screw up all the time, I strive to obey the law and I embrace the Covenant of Grace for my shortcomings. That covenant is between God and His Son, therefore both parties will uphold their responsibilities. Thank you Jesus. This year, I made one resolution, to be more generous than I ever have before. I no longer think in percentages, I think in opportunities. I've prayed for more ability to be more generous and I can't wait to see how God leads me in 2011.
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