The Rector's Column - November 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  

They say there are certain topics unfit for polite company: religion, finances, and, well, you know. Many people consider these too controversial, too personal, too provocative. This tends to be in the church, too, in what, and how, we approach or avoid these topics. We can avoid talking about money for various reasons, including being sensitive about “only talking about money” or being “only about getting money.” There are a host of reasons we could come up with as to why not to talk about money.   

However, the Bible has a lot to say about money and wealth. Jesus has a lot to say about money and wealth. It would be bad discipleship to not address finances and possessions, as they dominate, necessarily, so much of our lives. Within the broader topic is the whole question of tithing. In the Old Testament, God told His people to tithe: to give the first 10% of their in-come to Him (through the place of worship). Why would He do this?   

It is because it is good for us. He wants us to thrive and be blessed. Money/possessions are meant to be a blessing to us, and to others through us, but also can be a trap. Tithing accomplishes a number of things for us. It is an act of obedience to God and acknowledges His Lordship. It honors that reality that all we have comes from Him and we are stewards of what He’s given (and we keep a 90% management fee).   

It is an act of worship. It is an act of trust in His faithfulness to provide for our needs. It undermines our temptation to greed and self-centeredness. It prioritizes God’s ways over our ways. It will show us again and again that you can’t “outgive” God. According to the scriptures, it releases blessing, it pleases God, it blesses God, it is a testimony of trust.    

The New Testament doesn’t address tithing in the same way, but all the first Christians were Jewish and this was part of the reality of walking with God. The specific examples speak of not 10%, but of much more sacrificial amounts. The Christians in Corinth were encouraged to give week by week, and not count on making it all up later. So, should Christians tithe?   

My response is that the scripture doesn’t indicate anywhere that the direction has been rescinded or the principle has changed. Further, the scriptures tell us to be generous, as God is generous. It helps us grow in disciple-ship and give God authority over our check books. I would not ask anyone to tithe because I said so. We are to give, the word says, not out of compulsion, but out of desire.   

If you don’t tithe, take some time to pray and consider it. Ask the Holy Spirit for direction and peace about your decision. When God’s people tithe (for the reasons given – not because of the annual budget or our opinion of the vestry, etc.), the church is empowered and equipped to increase its mission. We discover incredible testimonies of God’s provision and miraculous ways of meeting our needs. When we tithe, we sow into God’s kingdom and work.   

I don’t have space to share in this short note, but my family has many stories of how God has provided for us and blessed us as we have commit-ted ourselves to tithe. May God bless and guide you as you walk in His ways.   The Lord be with you, +Fraser  

The Lord be with you,  +Fraser