The Tithe Trap

Before I get started, let us review what a tithe is. A tithe means 1/10; in the Old Testament, there were three tithes. Two of them were annual tithes [20% per year], and the third was a triannual tithe [3% a year] for a total average of approximately 23% a year. These tithes did not include the best of the flocks, herds, and grains required for the sacrifices, to the best of my knowledge. Nor did it include acts of kindness to those in need.

Recent studies show that the average giving in a church is approximately 3% to 4%. Interestingly this is a smaller amount than the average giving of several other faiths. In North America today, any pastors would be absolutely ecstatic if their members gave 10% per year. Ironically, those who give 3% to 4% call it a tithe, so now a tithe has become synonymous with giving in North America.

So, what is the tithe trap:

A] A tithe that is treated like a checkbox that must be checked off on your Righteousness Checklist right below going to church on Sunday and not beating your spouse. This performance-based giving may tick off the box on your Righteousness Checklist, but it also ticks off the Lord.

B] A tithe that reduces the act of giving to a mathematical formula. It is usually done by those trying to tick off the box by giving as little as possible. This attitude is generally revealed when people ask questions like: Is our tithe based on our gross or net incomes? Do we tithe on the growth in our assets? Do we tithe on our retirement proceeds from our RRSP/IRA?

C] A tithe that puts a cap on giving and fosters self-serving prayers for more. "If God gives me more, then I will be able to give Him more." They say that not because they are generous but because they know that by applying the 10% rule to their giving, they get to keep 90% for themselves "praise the Lord."

D] A tithe that perverts the concept of being a cheerful giver: "one who willingly, freely and joyfully gives, not out of compulsion but out of a love for and a trust in the Lord with a heartfelt desire to glorify and please Him."

It is NOT WHAT we do BUT WHY we do it that matters

Mt 7:22 Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'