Tithing Question?

Question

For those of you Christians who believe in tithing, what do you think of this:

According to Leviticus 27:30-31 KJV, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof."

It looks like there is a built in "if" provision - as if it is okay and permissable to use your tithes for something else, as long as you pay them back later with an extra portion.

The reason I'm asking is because our work is seasonal, and it makes logical and spiritual sense to pay bills on time rather than let them accumulate late fees, and/or purchase necessities with credit (although that has never happened to us - we are excellent in keeping our budget and saving up for off-seasons). But I would like to make an investment in our vegetable garden (prediabetic - it'll be this or worse/more expensive problems down the road).

In addition, we also have the opportunity to make an investment in a rental property, which will further increase our financial prosperity in the future.... but we have already cut back as much as possible on our current expenses and the tithe is possibly something we are thinking of putting off and paying back later with the obvious additional fifth. Anybody else have experience with this? It seems to me God might think this is a decent plan to. After all, the whole point of gaining wealth is having something to share with those in need - and we have always done that faithfully even when it meant sacrafices for us.

Answer 1

It sounds like you all ready know in your heart what is right in this situation. Sometimes tithing is as simple as feeding someone or helping a neighbor with labor. It is the act of doing something for others and not yourself and recognizing God in all things done out of love for your brother whoever he or she may be. Sometimes my tithing is buying something that is needed for others. As long as it serves the common good of all.
Larry T

Answer 2

I would talk to your church administration. That policy of the Israelites was instituted as a matter of necessity, not as a matter of convenience. Your church may or may not hold the same policy.

I personally have been taught to pay my tithing first, before any other expenses are paid for. This shows the utmost faith in the Lord and that His ways are greater than ours (see Isaiah 55:8-9). I can testify to you that if you will pay your tithing first, you will be blessed of the Lord in all your other financial matters. The Lord said in Malachi chapter 3 verse 10:

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

I can testify to you today that as I have paid my tithing first the Lord has given me other sources of money which I could not have even imagined before which I have in turn paid tithing on and it has been a continuous upward spiral which I could not have had if I had not paid my tithing first.

Answer 3

In looking at several translations (NAS and Living) it seems these texts are talking about when title is given in the form of produce (grain or fruit) One can buy it back but will have to pay 20% more than its value to buy it back. This then is not talking about keeping the produce which is the Lords for a while and later paying up for being late by paying an additional 20% of the value.

Test the Lord by being faithful and He will bless you. Faithful is giving God back 10% first of the blessing He has given you.

Answer 4

tithing was originated to help the Levites- they were in charge of the temple and had no land or other job to feed themselves- so people would bring them food- or money to purchase things they needed for their families- it was also used to help those at the Lords appointed Feasts that had no money to purchase food(passover, tabernacles etc) I personally think the church system does little good with the money it gets- are you helping someone by purchasing the property? perhaps this would be the blessing they have been looking for- will you give some of the food to a hungry neighbor- or prepare meals for the elderly with it? I believe it is in the way you use the gifts He gives you that counts- and when He returns and sets up His kingdom - the He will tell you how to use the $.

Answer 5

We are in the seasonal business also. Straightforward answer, it gets incredibly more difficult to pay that additional 5th later on.
Consider what the health issues you are facing.
Practically speaking, my husband and I tithe right off the top... based on the previous years income... as it is the best way of assessing what we have actually been given.
Remember also, none of this is yours to begin with. It all belongs to God, and He has given us the opportunity to make use of what is His in order to further His kingdom.
Give God what is rightfully His first and trust in His provision.

We end up with @ 3 mos off here in the Midwest, how bout you?

Answer 6

Refer to Malachi 3:7-11

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are acursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

I have often stumbled on the issue of tithing, but am reassured that when I pay an honest tithe I am blest.

My spiritual development is stunted if I do not pay the Lord His dues.

Answer 7

Grow an extra few rows in your garden. Share them with your neighbours. Tithing in OT is based on the increase in the land. It is paid in kind. Giving your excess to a poor and deserving neighbour with children, is what God intended by the whole thing anyways.

Answer 8

I don't believe we are under the OLD covenant or the Sinai covenant any longer. The New Covenant "trumps" the old one - kinda like a will - it's the latest one that counts. So tithing is no longer required because we Christians are now under Grace.

Personally, I do believe God wants us to be partakers of His grace of giving. (2Cor. 8:7) I was skeptical of the popular sowing and reaping teaching but God showed me firsthand the truth of it.
But now giving is a joy and blessing when you're lead by the Spirit. The law always makes it a real chore and pain. And the law brings condemnation.
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1)

Answer 9

I think you should pray about it and not allow it to become a "legalistic" thing. Tithing is important as an act of obedience and HE did say that HE would pour out a blessings your barns couldn't hold. It is also the only thing that GOD says we can try or test HIM on.
It sounds like you are very wise with the income GOD has given to you and I believe that HE will honor that also.

Answer 10

The local minister stood at the door to say goodbye to the worshipers at the family service. As the people filed out he noticed Mrs Carter passed by with her family. The pastor leaned forward and quietly remarked, 'I am sorry but I noticed that your young son was crying through most of the service. Is he alright?'. 'Oh not to worry' the young mum replied, 'He's just teething'. 'Oh, I see' said the minister, 'but what about your husband? I couldn't Help but notice that he was also weeping'. 'Oh, don't worry about Jack. He'll be fine' said Mrs Carter said reassuringly, 'He's just tithing.'