Generosity - Part 2
Pat McClelland
In my previous writing about generosity, I primarily spoke of what it means to give from the heart as opposed to under the law. In this edition I’d like to spend a few minutes discussing what tithing was really all about in the Old Testament.
It’s easy to arrive at a place today that absolves us of any responsibility to follow a guideline around the giving up of our time, talents, or money. Even the term I just used, “giving up, “ is misunderstood. In this context giving up is not a sacrifice, as if you must give away something that feels like it’s been taken from you. No, in the context of giving up to God we do so not just willingly, but with great abandon. We literally “lift up” to Him the very things He gave us. Picture yourself praying, holding your hands up to Heaven and releasing back to Him a portion of what He has given you. You and I are stewards of His provision in the truest sense of the word, and returning to Him a portion of all we have is foundational in understanding the principle of sowing and reaping.
The Old Testament is replete with guidelines about how we should live our lives. God’s Word, be it in Old or New Testament presentation, always benefits us. He set rules for us to follow from the very beginning of mankind to keep us safe, and to protect us from ourselves or others. Even in giving He is there to instruct.
You see, God knows us far better than we ever will. He knows our propensity to keep what we get. He knows our need for recognition, success, or notoriety. He knows us so well that He provided His people a pathway toward understanding our own shortfalls. In giving, He set a law around tithing because He knew if He didn’t, we wouldn’t. He’s been teaching us ever since that giving back to Him really isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about privilege.
Originally, the First tithe (10%) went to the Levites; the Second tithe went to the Tabernacle; and what was called the third, or Poor tithe, accommodated provision to the poor in the seventh year when other tithes were temporarily halted. Old Testament tithing became confusing. There were the Festival tithes; the Shemittah-cycle offering (7th year “broken off” period); and the Terumot (“Great-Heave” offering), among others!
It’s no wonder, then, that tithing has become a difficult principle to understand. Hence, the church has embraced for millennia the idea that a tithe means 10%, which is fine if that’s all the Lord asks of us. We use 10% for the sake of simplicity, but we end up right where the Hebrews did in failing to grasp the greater purpose.
Yes, the Lord wants us to tithe on our money. But truly, how much? The answer is between you and the Lord. It’s up to each of us to bend our knee before Him, seek guidance and conviction and give accordingly. This creates a heart of generosity within the giver, who is then surprised by how God in turn provides His resources back to you. It’s a Life Cycle.
Let me encourage you to pray fervently, listen carefully, give wholeheartedly, and be at peace. Don’t be surprised if Jesus tells you to stretch your faith. After all, He does do that! Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve done so. Perhaps you haven’t really allowed yourself to be challenged in your giving. Maybe, as was with my wife and I, you’ll pick up a book like “Money, Possessions and Eternity” (written by Randy Alcorn) and it will change the entirety of how you steward God’s resources. And by the way, if you are married and elect to read this particular book, do so with your spouse. For us it completely refocused our attention to where it belongs.
If you remain perplexed about what to give, then start with 10%. Embrace the original Old Testament Levitical principle if New Testament heart-giving remains a stumbling block. And keep asking the Lord to show you His way in this part of your life. Over time He will, and you’ll be amazed at where He leads you and your family.
Dear friend, be blessed and gain clarity on God’s Kingdom purposes for your time, your talents, and your money. May all you have become His as you release it to Him.
He is trustworthy, so please, trust Him in this.