Don’t Pay Your Tithe? Here’s What You’re Missing As A Christian

Don’t Pay Your Tithe? Here’s What You’re Missing As A Christian

First, let’s get clear on what tithing is. Tithing means giving ten percent of your income to the church. This practice is deeply rooted in the Bible, starting from the Old Testament. In Genesis 14:20 (KJV), we see Abram giving Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This wasn’t just a random act; it was a response to God’s blessing and provision. Later, under the Law of Moses, tithing became a command for the Israelites. Leviticus 27:30 (KJV) says, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” This tithe supported the Levites, who were dedicated to serving in the temple.

One of the most famous passages about tithing is Malachi 3:10 (KJV): “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Here, God challenges His people to bring their tithes and promises immense blessings in return. It’s the only time in the Bible where God invites us to test Him, to see if He won’t bless us abundantly when we give faithfully.

Following this promise, Malachi 3:11 (KJV) adds another layer of blessing: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” This verse emphasizes that God will protect the resources of those who tithe, ensuring that their labor is not in vain and that their provision is secure from harm.

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s the Old Testament. Does it still apply today?” In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the practice of tithing, but He places even more emphasis on the heart and motive behind giving. In Matthew 23:23 (KJV), Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Jesus acknowledges that tithing should be done but stresses that it should not replace the more significant aspects of faith like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Paul, in the New Testament, emphasizes generous and cheerful giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV), he writes, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” The principle here is that giving, whether it’s a tithe or any other form of offering, should come from a willing and joyful heart, not out of compulsion or guilt.

So, what are you missing if you’re not tithing? Firstly, you’re missing an opportunity to trust God with your finances. Tithing is a tangible way to demonstrate your trust in God’s provision. When you give a portion of your income, you’re essentially saying, “God, I trust that You will provide for all my needs.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV) tells us, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” This passage highlights the principle that honoring God with our wealth brings about His provision and blessing.

Another significant aspect you’re missing is the blessing of obedience. God honors those who obey His commands, and tithing is one of those commands. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (KJV), we read about the blessings of obedience: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.” While this passage speaks broadly about obedience, it includes all areas of life, including our finances.

You’re also missing out on God’s supernatural provision. Remember Malachi 3:10? God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there won’t be room enough to receive it. This isn’t just about financial blessing, but it includes peace, joy, and provision in every area of your life. Philippians 4:19 (KJV) says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” When you tithe, you position yourself to receive from God’s abundant storehouse.

By not tithing, you might also be missing the opportunity to support God’s work. The church relies on tithes and offerings to function and to carry out its mission. When you tithe, you’re directly supporting the work of the kingdom, enabling the church to minister to the community, support missions, and provide for those in need. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV) encourages believers to set aside a sum of money each week in accordance with their income to support the work of the church. Your tithes and offerings make a real difference in advancing God’s kingdom on earth.

Another blessing you miss out on is the joy of giving. There is a unique joy that comes from knowing you’re investing in something eternal. Acts 20:35 (KJV) reminds us, “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving brings a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that material possessions alone cannot provide.

Tithing also cultivates a generous heart. As you practice giving regularly, it becomes a part of who you are. You start to see your resources as tools for blessing others rather than just for personal gain. This aligns with the heart of God, who is the ultimate giver. John 3:16 (KJV) says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” When we give, we reflect God’s character and His love for the world.

Not tithing means missing out on building a legacy of faith. When you tithe, you set an example for your children and others around you. You demonstrate what it looks like to prioritize God in every area of life, including finances. Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Teaching the next generation about tithing helps them develop a strong foundation of faith and trust in God.

Lastly, you miss the opportunity to partner with God in His work. God doesn’t need our money, but He invites us to be part of His mission. When you tithe, you’re saying yes to that invitation. You’re participating in something much larger than yourself. It’s a partnership with God that brings meaning and purpose to your life.

Let us wrap up with this. While tithing is not a requirement for salvation, it is a significant aspect of Christian discipleship that brings many blessings. By not tithing, you might be missing out on trusting God with your finances, rebuking the devourer, experiencing the blessing of obedience, witnessing God’s supernatural provision, supporting God’s work, finding the joy of giving, cultivating a generous heart, building a legacy of faith, and partnering with God in His mission.

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Make tithing a part of seeking God’s kingdom first, and watch how He transforms your life.