What is the Purpose of Tithing?

Tithing has been defined as someone giving ten percent of their income to a church, no matter how small or large that may seem. However, R. Kent Hughes says in his book, "Disciplines of a Godly Man," that in the Old Testament, if one were to count all the tithes given in a year, it would equal thirty percent. But what exactly is behind tithing?

History

In the Bible, the first instance of tithing is when Abram (later named Abraham) came back from a war and met Melchizidek, a priest of God. Not too much is known about this priest, but Abram gave ten percent of his spoils to him, thus starting the tithing tradition.

Function

There are a couple of reasons for tithing. The first one has to do with supporting those that have given their lives to do God's work. However, another reason for tithing, one that is not realized until after one begins, is to receive a blessing from God. When you give your money to a higher purpose outside of yourself, you are showing God that you can be trusted with what is given to you. You also show God that you trust He will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.

Types

There are two different types of people who tithe. One type is a person who tithes because he believes he has to and gives out of resentment. The other type of person who tithes is someone who does so with a cheerful heart; he or she gives out of joy and love for the purpose of giving.
There are also different types of tithing. The most common is giving money, but there are some who want to give ten percent of their time to God as well. Since there are 365 days in a year, time-tithers will give at least 36.5 days to God, whether that be volunteering at the church or working at a homeless shelter.

Effects

When you give away some of your money or time there are different things that will happen to you, especially on the inside. For one, you will show the world that you are not greedy but instead that you are a loving person who wants to help others. Another result of giving is a breakthrough of positive emotions knowing that you have done something good for the world and you are not letting life's circumstances control how you live. When you provide for other peoples' needs, they in turn can help others, who in turn can help others. There is no telling the impact of one gift.

Misconceptions

Believe it or not, tithing does not keep God out of the poorhouse. He already owns everything on Earth, so tithing is just a way of expressing love. In reality, we are not required to tithe anymore, but that does not mean we shouldn't. All that means is now when we give, it is out of love and not law.