This is the first in the 12-part series on a Biblical Worldview of Money and Wealth, which I introduced last month. Today, we will go deep into the Biblical Worldview of Tithing and Giving, starting with scripture.

Malachi 3:10: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Proverbs 3:9-10: Honor the LORD from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Twenty years ago, nearly every church had a dedicated time in its weekly services for tithes and offerings. During this time, an offering plate would be passed down each aisle, allowing members to participate in the blessings of tithing and giving. Acts 20:35 reminds us that "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

I remembered looking forward to this time in the service since it gave our family the chance to focus on God's provision. Today, nearly all churches have done away with this long-time wonderful tradition for fear of offending their members and have replaced it with a collection box found somewhere in the back of the church or foyer, or they collect the tithe online through an automatic bank draft, where you don't have to think about it. In my opinion, the tradition of passing the offering plate in churches ought to be reestablished in addition to the new ways for tithes and offerings.

Ten purposes of tithing and giving

1. It acknowledges God's blessings.
2. It's a test of ownership, showing God is the owner, and we are His managers.
3. It helps the local Church to fulfill its purpose.
4. It shows our willingness to trust God.
5. It provides funds for healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and providing for those who are unable to provide for themselves.
6. It funds missionaries to fulfill the Great Commission
7. Provides salaries for those serving the local church
8. Breaks the chains of selfishness and materialism
9. Shows that others' needs are just as important as our own
10. Proclaims the love for Jesus to others

Please read Matthew 25:34-40 before going further.

Other benefits include

• Giving is pleasing to God and is a reflection of His character
• Giving creates everlasting joy, not temporary happiness, as the world does
• Tithing provides protection, read Malachi 3:10-11

What's the right amount to tithe and give?

This depends on each individual's financial situation, unique personal circumstances, and what they are willing to give. Biblical giving is not limited to a certain percentage of income, especially when you've determined "How much is enough" and possibly 80-90% of your net worth is tied up in non-cash assets. God looks at the heart, not the size of the gift. Many scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, speak about the cheerful giver; Luke 21:1-4, the poor widow; and Matthew 19:16-22, the rich young ruler who obeyed all the commandments.

When it comes to giving, Christians need to be careful of the secular worldview of giving to get, giving for attention, giving for connections, giving to influence, and giving for popularity. Please read Matthew 6:3-4

Four Different Ways to Give

1. Our Time. Volunteering to feed the poor, visit the sick and lonely, teach a small group, mentor a younger person, labor for shelter, serve in ministry, go on a mission trip to help, etc.

2. Our Talents and Natural Gifts. Romans 12:4-8 For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

3. From income, cash, and savings

4. Non-Cash Planned Gifts. Many people consider giving only from cash holdings, yet 90% to 95% of their net worth is tied up in non-cash assets like appreciated stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, real estate, business interests, oil and gas mineral rights, precious metals, and collectibles.

Planned Giving is a way to unlock these non-cash assets that may not be accessible otherwise and can be very tax-efficient. Planned Giving may involve the use of a Donor-advised fund, a Charitable Remainder Trust, a Charitable Gift Annuity, the receipt of a portion of an estate through a Trust or Will, and designating charities as beneficiaries of retirement accounts, etc. Wise Christian counsel should be sought from an experienced fiduciary for large planned gifts, which may involve a team of Christian advisors.

Conclusion

To summarize this complex and controversial subject, all major financial decisions for Christians should be spiritual ones, prayed about, and aligned with God's word for guidance.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor

Next time, I will cover the Biblical Worldview of Saving.

About Author Bob Barber, CWS, CKA