The power of Tithing

Is tithing a fundamental in this
“new insight” in TRUTH?
Is it only applicable in the biblical
sense?
Was it only practiced as a part of
Christ’s teaching?
Where are the origins? And how has
it evolved?
Does it apply to us?
A study of Prosperity and Affluence invariably includes the practice of
tithing. In most cases, it is taught with a dogmatism that is
unparalleled in the whole study of TRUTH. We want to deeply prove the
practice beyond the superficial, illogical and materialistic way it is
normally approached. Tithing is normally encouraged for all the wrong
reasons, a gross materialization of a beautiful spiritual law.
For those of you who wish to understand the historical origin and
answers to those questions; I have included here, some references
from Tithing in Bible (see below) , where Abraham gave a tithe of all he
had to Melchizedeck, King of Salem, who had blessed him. Today there
are whole religious denominations that require tithing of all their
adherents. Many other religious groups suggest it as a discipline. Let us
establish the point that tithing is an excellent practice that I strongly
recommend to anyone who is seeking to change their life from
indigence to affluence.
Truth students and/or those who study Bible know and often refer to
the classic reference of Malachi 3:10 (ASV) “Bring ye the whole tithe
into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and prove me
now herewith, saith Jehovah 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.” Beautifully put, it is sheer poetry! Who can argue
with it? But, we should also examine the practice in the time of
Malachi.
Under Levitical law, the tithe was a form of taxation, a requirement; it
was not a love offering or charitable contribution at all. In theocratic
government, tithing had often been the method of creating revenues to
support the government. Since God is true ruler, it is easy to see that
the government treasury is the storehouse of the Lord.
In early Israel, under the leadership of Moses, twelve tribes were
managed by priests, and the system was supported by the tithe. There
was nothing voluntary about it. The Mosaic code was rigidly enforced,
and in some cases, infractions were punishable by death. This is the
biblical source where our contemporary practice of tithing was derived.
However, the tithe did not originate there. Some form of tithing was
practiced almost universally throughout the entire ancient world. We
find evidences of it in Babylonia, in Persia, in Egypt, in Rome, and
even in China.
Now without judging the merits of tithing, I find this line reasoning
illogical. Under their law, the Israelites were bound to many restrictive
observances. There are references to people actually being stoned to
death for nothing more than gathering wheat on the Sabbath,
(infraction of the fourth commandment). But we don’t put people to
death in modern times for playing golf on Sunday! But times have
changed, we say. Then why should the rigidity of the tithing observance
remain unchanged?
Jesus seemed to have made a career out of upgrading the laws and
practices of the Old Testament into the light and needs of
contemporary times. For instance, he said concerning many
commandments, “You have heard it said of old, but I say unto you …..”
He also said “I have come not to abolish them (the laws) but to fulfill
them.” (Mt. 5:17)
If you carefully examine the Ten Commandments , they would appear to
be a series of restrictive laws. However, a deeper look will reveal to you
underlying essence, that supportive framework for the spiritually
mature. Late Rev. Eric Butterworth’s tells us in his book Spiritual
Economics: “Infants may need playpens and children may need fences
to keep them from straying into danger.” But as people mature, there
must come a time when they put away childish things. He also, points
out that Jesus taught the law of consciousness, that one always has a
choice, though one must live with the effects of his or her choice. You
receive as you give, and if you would receive more, you can give more.
But you have complete freedom. (Page 196 in Book Spiritual Economics
by Rev. Eric Butterworth), see (Reference in Resources)
Books you find on tithing often display flashy dollar signs, suggesting
that tithing is a sure way to get rich quick. Some say that tithing is a
magic cure for all ills. But if prosperity and healing results from
tithing, it is manifested as the fulfilling of the law: As you give, so you
receive. The materialistic approach to tithing is so prevalent because of
its effectiveness. Giving is a fundamental spiritual law. You cannot live
without giving, as you cannot live without breathing. You inhale and
exhale naturally for breathing is a part of the vital process of life. No
one dictates how deep your breath should be, and so your giving and
tithing should also be a natural process.
Kahlil Gibran, in his classic work The Prophet says: "You give but little
when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that
you truly give…. Give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its
fragrance into space." What counts for you is how you deal with them in
consciousness. When you understand “who you really are” and “how our
world comes about”, then you begin to see things from the perspective
of the ever-present God-substance or the Source. You will be in the
creative flow of abundance which will bless your life with sustained
affluence and prosperity, and in turn, your energy will vibrate
prospering influence to lift the world. (Full Text of The Prophet by
Kahil Gibran)
Practice of Tithing in Bible
Quotes from the Bible on "Practice of Tithing" in Bible, from Genesis,
Malachi, and New Testament
The First Book of Moses, called Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom
went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of
Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh
(the same is the King's Vale). 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem
brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.
14:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most
High, possessor of heaven and earth: 14:20 and blessed be God Most
High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him
a tenth of all.
The Fifth Book of Moses, called Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat
within thy gates the tithe of thy grain, or of thy new wine, or of thine
oil, or the firstlings of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows
which thou vowest, nor thy freewill-offerings, nor the heave-offering
of thy hand.
In Malachi 3:10 Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that
there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith
Jehovah 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.
Following Scriptures are found in New Testament, and beleived to
reflect Jesus the Christ's thoughts and teaching on Practice of Tithing
in Bible.
The Gospel According to St. Luke 6:38 give, and it shall be given unto
you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall
they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be
measured to you again.
The Gospel According to St. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.
Here we have focused on subject of Practicing of Tithing in Bible, but
practice of tithing, which means acknowledgement for and to Source/
God/ Infinite have been practice throughout ages in many religious
belief system.
Click here to view - The American Standard Version of the Holy Bible
The American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Bible was first
published in 1901. It has earned the reputation of being the Rock of
Biblical Honesty. Although the English used in the ASV is somewhat
archaic, it isn't nearly as hard to understand as some passages of the
King James Version of nearly 3 centuries earlier. This translation of
the Holy Bible is in the public domain, since its copyright has expired.
You are encouraged to download, copy, publish, and use this translation
freely Click here to view – The World English Bible The World English
Bible is an update of the American Standard Version that is still in the
Public Domain, but uses more modern English.