My Sunday school class asked if we could study the topic of Tithing this past weekend. At first I was wondering why this would need to be studied, then I realized over the week as I was studying this is something that is needed. I have been taught from the time I was very young about the importance of tithing as a “spiritual discipline”. Please don’t confuse anything in this article for saying that this is a condition of salvation, tithing is not required for salvation. However, as a Christian it is important that we follow Christ teaching and when he taught the Pharisees in Matt. 23:23 he said we should not neglect tithing. Malachi 3 has some very strong words regarding tithing and even says to test God in tithing. Some of the major denominations of our day even go so far as making it a tenant of their movement they believe in it so strongly.
Tithing, at least when you start out, can be purely an act of obedience. However, as you give and realize that the possessions we have are only a result of God allowing us to have them and that He will not be out given. You can’t help but become excited about your giving and begin to look for other ways to give beyond your tithe. I am not sure of the reference right now, but you have all heard that “obedience is better than sacrifice” and I will tell you I believe it. Simple acts of obedience such as tithing and baptism release such rich spiritual blessings in our lives it is hard to explain. I hope that anyone reading this today will consider giving back to God a tenth or 10% of what he has given you. You will be supporting your local church ministries, pastors, facilities and outreaches and even more importantly being obedient to Christ.
You can check out this link for more on the Assemblies of God beliefs on this subject http://www.ag.org/top/Beliefs/gendoct_06_tithing.cfm
In Christ,
Steven
