Since the beginning of my church days tithing was easily a part of my life and one I’ve enjoyed. Yes, enjoyed. I don’t even think about it. It’s just what you do.
That is until recently. I think it about it a lot these days. Unfortunately. And it’s not a result from Bible Study or anything of the like. It’s my current situation.
Lev 27:30 “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
But when I study tithing in the Scriptures, it’s not just it’s a legalistic action or something we do, it’s something holy to the Lord. In fact, in most ways it is our first act of trust in Him.
When the Israelites gave their first fruits to the Lord, it meant they had to trust in the Lord for the remaining harvest. That harvest would determine if they would go hungry or be amply supplied. We who have hardly ever missed a meal perhaps don’t understand the level of trust and commitment that took.
Some will say that tithing doesn’t matter anymore as it isn’t really reiterated in the New Testament. But I believe it is.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices–mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Mt 23:23
Jesus taught that they should tithe and not neglect it, but to have practiced the weightier matters of the law–justice, mercy and faithfulness. So it still very much has its place.
So for that tithing continues as an act of faith. In this season for me it truly is an act of faith and honor to the Lord.
