Hebrews 7:9
And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
A tithe literally means 10%.
I learned in seminary that theologians love to argue. Worst of all, theologians aren’t very kind people as a rule. FB proves it even more. Arguing is sin, because it’s vanity.
Paul said in Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Agreeing to disagree is a rare concept. Several popular ( and as Paul points out, foolish) arguments that stand out in my mind l are:
1. Did the good samaritan really do something admirable and that we should follow?
2. What exactly is the love that John talks about when he said God is love?
3. What churches are in apostasy?
4. Tithing is scriptural or no?
All these arguments seem to be self serving. The first three I think are argued about so fiercely because like I said, many theologians are not particularly nice people, and they are vain.
The fourth is because of greed. Either they don’t want to give. Or because their salaries depend on how much the flock gives.
Non tithers eagerly point out that Jesus only talked about tithing once. The guy that tithed wasn’t saved, and the guy that didn’t tithe was saved.
Thankfully I am not a theologian, nor a Bible expert. I love Jesus and just want to serve Him and please Him by helping the impoverished to have a future and a Hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Here at our home, we avoid arguing. Arguing and opinions are for angry people. No time for that. We just want to help others. We are not a church so the legalistic old testament concept of tithing doesn’t even apply to us. Fact of the matter is the New Testament concept isn’t only 10%, but 100%.
In the New Testament, the Lord owns all, not just “a tithe”. 1 Cor. 4:7 is interesting: everything we have is from Him! He owns our possessions and we are stewards, not owners giving a percentage.
Last night summed up my theological view of tithing or any other point of contention among the brethren. God speaks to people differently. The good samaritan is a great example in my life. I love doing stuff like that, Jesus did too. God’s love to me is love for everyone. Last foolish argument, greedy people need to let go of their money, because they love it, it’s their God. Generous people don’t need to tithe. They give a lot more than 10% anyway.
So I got to teach at a very humble church in Rubenia last night. Pretty rough neighborhood. I got lost trying to find the church, not a good idea for a gringo walking around lost asking for directions with an American accent in a gang infested barrio at night…using his smart phone as a flashlight.
I was down to our last 20 bucks (one bill) and the Lord prompted me to put all of it in the plate. It is permitted here to break a bill out of the plate. Winnie hates it when I do that.
As I was leaving the daughter of the Pastor put an envelope in my pocket. When I got home it had $60 in it. We are going to have a decent weekend. God tripled what I hesitantly gave.
Funny how God always shows me not to worry about trivial things like theologians arguing and money. He sure isn’t.
Dean