Tithing in our Day

.....Paul’s decision to preach while at the same time supporting himself through a secular job has been hailed as a ‘tent-making’ ministry -- but in truth it was an undesirable turn of events that was only assumed through desperation (see Acts 6:2-4). The Lord had commanded those who preach the gospel to make their living from the gospel, yet Paul had been forced to forsake that right in response to a form of religious prejudice he  encountered (Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:12-14).
.

.....The challenge that rose for Paul has continued throughout history. Sincere ministers have felt compelled to financial silence in order to avoid unfair criticism of their intentions; but after enduring as much poverty as they could, they’ve spoken. Things turned around and a new course began, but then, over time, as the new course continued, it sometimes lead to new forms of abuse as the emphasis reached its other extreme. After enduring as much abuse as they could, the people pushed back, and the cycle began again (1 Timothy 6:5).

......Problems like this occur in the church when our focus is on man, and not on God. Therefore, let us return to the truth of tithing and re-focus:
.

.....Tithing is an act of homage to Jesus Christ, a fitting acknowledgment that He is better than us. It is a pure act of worship, directed to the Lord Himself and not to the church or to an earthly ministry. It is very personal. It is an expression of our relationship with Him. God expects maturity and a motivation that is based on our faith and our heartfelt love and appreciation for Him (Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23). And He very much wants us to accept this understanding cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
.

.....God also expects us to have an attitude of justice and mercy in our giving (Matthew 23:23). But for whose sake is this collection received? Certainly not for Himself, for all things belong to God already, and He is the Judge of all.

.

.....Here we need a mature understanding about the ultimate destination of our tithes. Though tithes are dedicated to The Lord Himself, He entrusts them to the ministers of the church. They are to use these resources as wise stewards, to show mercy and to give to the poor; but at the same time, these ministers are worthy of their wages. From the offerings they collect, they may provide for honorable things for themselves in the sight of man and God, and earn a decent living (Galatians 2:10; Luke 10:7; 2 Corinthians 8:21).