Ten percent of everything you harvest is holy and belongs to me, says the Lord,
whether it grows in your fields or on your fruit trees.
Leviticus 27:30
When I first made the decision to become a follower of Jesus, I found out early on that if I really mean what I say when I say that I am a Christian, then I need to walk the talk. I was told that I needed to watch my language, change my thoughts and behaviors toward women, be honest all the time, etc: In short I needed to start living a better life.
But I wasn't prepared for the money thing. I was also told that a Christian, if he or she really believes, will give 10% of his income to God. I checked out the Bible, looked for loopholes, couldn't find any, and decided that this was something I had to do if I was serious about becoming a Christ follower. Was I capable of living at a lower standard of living than I had been used to? The answer was an uncomfortable yes and in my mind I was left no alternative. I reasoned that if everything I have is from God then to give him 10% back is not a very big request.
The first check I ever wrote to the church was figured to the exact penny. I multiplied 10% X my income and wrote the check to the exact amount, not one penny more. And OF COURSEI had to decide on the net vs. gross question. I chose to tithe (tithe actually means 10% in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament) on my gross.
Why? Because I felt sleazy about choosing "net." It felt like cheating because in my mind It didn't square with fundamental point the Bible was making about tithing, which was that it's not my money to be stingy with and if it's God's then I should just trust and honor him all the way, no shortcuts.
It wasn't easy! I cringed. My parents did everything but disown me at first. I was going through a divorce that cost me big time, was paying off student loans, and lost my house.
But I did it, and it's one of the most tangibly rewarding acts of faith I have ever done. When Kathy and I later married we decided to tithe together, and neither I from the beginning of my time as a Christ follower, nor Kathy and I as a married couple, have missed a tithe to our church since the day we were married.
Tune in next week for "Why I Tithe" Part 2 to find out why it's been one of the most important decisions I (and Kathy) have ever made. Nor has there ever been a single regret.
"Lord, please guide my attitudes on this subject. Help me to pay attention to my thoughts. Are they thoughts and attitudes that honor you or they thoughts attitudes, regardless of how well argued, which serve to get me off the hook for giving of my income as you direct?
Lord, I'm yours, may my actions honor you. Amen"
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