Tithing As A Spiritual Discipline

When we think of spiritual disciplines, we often think of prayer, Bible study, and fasting. But tithing is also a vital part of our spiritual growth. It's a way to align our hearts with God's and to participate in His work on earth.

Tithing is a spiritual discipline that helps us grow in our relationship with God. It's a way to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and to express our gratitude for His provision.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
 
Tithing is an opportunity to sow into God's kingdom and to experience the blessings that come from living a life of generosity. Giving isn't just about meeting a need; it's about cultivating a heart of generosity and trust in God.

As a minister, I wasn’t always great at tithing. As a matter of fact, I was downright disobedient with it. When I was young in youth ministry, I thought that because I was employed by the Church, it was silly to give back money that paid my salary anyway. That’s an absolutely toxic mindset. Tithing isn’t about “God NEEDS your money.” It’s more about “God WANTS you to NEED and TRUST Him.” The tithe is a practice that says we trust God enough to give Him the FIRST ten percent of what we earn, and He will use it in a far better way than we could. On the flip side, we trust that the 90% we are left with will provide for all of our needs.

There’s a freedom that comes with tithing. When we do what God asks, we find ourselves in a situation where God provides for us, and we are without need. Throughout my life, when I’ve tithed, I’ve never had to miss a bill. The power has always stayed on. I’ve always been able to provide for my family. When I’ve tithed, I’ve used wisdom in how my money is spent, and I have actually found there’s more in the bank at the end of the month. The freedom comes in not worrying about my family’s finances. I know we’re good and that God will provide.

Besides, as disciples of Christ, we're called to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Where our money goes shows where our hearts lie. Tithing makes us more focused on where our money is going. Do we really need a $6 espresso every morning? Do we need to buy everything that has a name brand on it? How many forms of media do we really need? Tithing is one way we can honor God with our finances and participate in His work on earth.

In Malachi 3:10, God says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." 

Tithing is about trust. It's about putting God first in our finances and believing that He will provide for our needs. All we need to do is be obedient and faithful. God will take care of the rest.