How and Why I Tithe
Deuteronomy 12:6 tells us to bring “your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings” to the Lord’s dwelling. The tithe is well known as the “biblical standard” for giving back to God. What does tithing look like in our day? How can tithing be a spiritual discipline that blesses you and blesses God?
In our time and society, tithing generally means giving back 10% of our income to God. Let’s break that down a bit. I think it’s up to each person to pray and consider these questions: 10% of what? What constitutes “income”? Gross or net? Do you include dividends? What about windfalls you hadn’t anticipated? What about pensions and annuities?
I am still working, and I tithe on my net income, which is what I have that I can use from each paycheck. It’s easy. At the beginning of the year I tell my bank to send a check for 10% to St. James every two weeks on payday. I adjust the amount as needed each year to account for changes in my net income.
Then every other week I look at my bank account and watch 10% of my paycheck go to St. James. I now understand why the tithe is the biblical standard. The tithe is enough to hurt a bit. You have to pay attention when 10% of your crops, animals, or money is given to God’s work. You have to think each time about how that money will help us live out our mission to walk in love with God and our neighbors through worship, discipleship, and service.
I began tithing about 20 years ago. Like many people, I gave at a lower proportional rate and then worked my way up to the full tithe. Tithing brings me great joy. I am reminded each time my tithe is given of the love God has shown me and the love that is so evident at St. James. It is a commitment that I have made to support St. James and God’s kingdom in Louisa County and the world.
When I transition into retirement, I’ll have to figure out what constitutes “income” all over again. I’ll figure out a tithe that hurts a little bit—that I’ll have to notice—so that I’ll praise God and thank God for so many blessings each time I give to God’s church.
--A Child of God at St. James
In our time and society, tithing generally means giving back 10% of our income to God. Let’s break that down a bit. I think it’s up to each person to pray and consider these questions: 10% of what? What constitutes “income”? Gross or net? Do you include dividends? What about windfalls you hadn’t anticipated? What about pensions and annuities?
I am still working, and I tithe on my net income, which is what I have that I can use from each paycheck. It’s easy. At the beginning of the year I tell my bank to send a check for 10% to St. James every two weeks on payday. I adjust the amount as needed each year to account for changes in my net income.
Then every other week I look at my bank account and watch 10% of my paycheck go to St. James. I now understand why the tithe is the biblical standard. The tithe is enough to hurt a bit. You have to pay attention when 10% of your crops, animals, or money is given to God’s work. You have to think each time about how that money will help us live out our mission to walk in love with God and our neighbors through worship, discipleship, and service.
I began tithing about 20 years ago. Like many people, I gave at a lower proportional rate and then worked my way up to the full tithe. Tithing brings me great joy. I am reminded each time my tithe is given of the love God has shown me and the love that is so evident at St. James. It is a commitment that I have made to support St. James and God’s kingdom in Louisa County and the world.
When I transition into retirement, I’ll have to figure out what constitutes “income” all over again. I’ll figure out a tithe that hurts a little bit—that I’ll have to notice—so that I’ll praise God and thank God for so many blessings each time I give to God’s church.
--A Child of God at St. James