The Possibilities of Tithing

I have recently been forced to think more deeply about the issue of tithing than I have in the past. While I certainly agree with the principle, I must confess, I have always been very uncomfortable with the common understanding of tithing as an obligatory rendering of 10% of an individuals income. The principle (or as some would say, "the rule") of tithing is often correlated to the Levitical tithe (Lev. 27:30-33), which is where the problem begins for me. If tithing, or a giving of 10% of the "herd" was a mandatory part of the Levitical law, then how is it that this particular conception of tithing is to be carried over into the New Covenant and spoken of as if it serves an identical purpose? Why should the tithe see continuation into the New Covenant while other ceremonial and civic aspects of the Mosaic Law are realized to be fulfilled in Christ?

Once again, I realize that tithing is not simply found in the Mosaic Law. It is a principle that is found all through out the Old Testament, and into the New Testament. The rendering of our wealth unto God is not something that we are released from, nor should we desire to be released from. However, it seems that most teaching does not conceive of the tithe so much as an eternal principle which allows believers a concrete expression of their gratitude toward God. Rather, it seems that it is more often conceived of as an unbending demand of God upon us of exactly 10% of our income, as though our keeping of this rule will somehow achieve or maintain favor for us in the eyes of God. No doubt, few people would recognize this as representing their position on tithing. "Of course tithing won't achieve us favor with God, only Christ can do that," I'm sure (or at least I hope) most believers would respond. But if this is really true, then why is it that in the minds of most of us, the tithe is still seen as a rule which says we must give 10% out of every paycheck? Why would we give this particular Mosaic law (and yes, I realize that there is a bigger discussion to be had here regarding the nature of the Mosaic Law) preference of practice over others?

There is no doubt, we must give of our wealth unto God for the building up of the local church and for the need of the Church at large. However, I'm convinced that this truth finds an even greater expression in light of the finished work of Christ on the cross than it had in the Levitical law where 10% was required. I believe that 1 Timothy 6:17-19 expresses the attitude toward tithing that we are now to have in light of Christ:

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

The tithe is no longer a jot or tittle in the Law that must be fulfilled for righteousness. The principle of the tithe, which was expressed as a tenth of an individuals income in the Mosaic Law, is now, in light of Christ, a way for us to express our gratitude to God for the work of his Son. It is a way to express the unity of the body of Christ, showing that we "hold all things in common" as did the church in Acts. Finally, and perhaps most of all, it is a way for us to show that we do not place our trust in the "uncertainty of riches" but rather, that we place our trust completely and wholely on the person of Christ.

Conceived of in such a manner, I believe that we could begin to see the practice of tithing through whole new eyes. No longer must the weekly tithe check represent something that we simply owe to God (despite the continual urgings of pastors to "give joyfully!"). We are now able to see the tithe as a way in which we participate with the spiritual and heavenly activities of God while we are still in our fallen, as yet unglorified state. It is a way that we can begin to see the Kingdom of God realized in the Earth in a real and eminently practical way. It can act sacramentally as way in which we acknowledge the reality of the promised glory by the keeping of the sign, whether this means giving 10, 50, or 100 percent of what we earn. If tithing is simply a rule, even a biblical or "covenant" rule, then it is purely a work of the law, expecting a certain return on a certain work performed; of that I want no part. However, if it be a response of gratitude to the message of Christ crucified, a way to declare that our hope and confidence rest solely on Christ alone and not on the wealth and provision of this world, then I joyfully take part in the taking up of the tithe.