In a prior “Business Tip,” I outlined the five uses of money.1 In this Tip, I focus on the first two uses—tithing and giving.
Tithing is a controversial issue for some in the Christian community—mainly for those who do not have a high view of the Old Testament. For these people, the New Testament is their focus for defining Christian truth and norms. Those who oppose this low view of the Old Testament point out that Jesus did not share their view. The Scripture for Jesus, and his followers, was the Old Testament and, therefore, the New Testament is based on the Old Testament. Furthermore, Jesus expressed a high view of the Old Testament as noted in texts such as Matthew 4:4; 5:18, and Luke 24:44. Likewise, his apostles Paul and Peter had a high view of Old Testament scripture as seen in texts such as 2 Timothy 3:16–17. In addition, the formation of the New Testament church provided by Luke in Acts 2 is clearly grounded in Old Testament scripture.
Christianity is based on a high view of Old Testament scripture with the understanding that Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Consequently, principles properly gleaned from the Old Testament will be authoritative for one’s life. This is the proper basis for considering tithing.
Many view the tithe incorrectly as originating in the Mosaic Law. But the tithe predates the Mosaic Law and was first mentioned in Genesis 14 in association with Abram’s victory over the enemies of his nephew Lot. While returning home with Lot and their goods, Abram encountered Melchizedek, a priest of God, who served him bread and wine—symbolic of the vicarious atonement of Jesus that was the basis for restoring fallen mankind’s relationship with God. Abram partook of the communion to acknowledge the Lord’s grace and favor in his victory and gave Melchizedek a tithe. The tithe was given to Melchizedek as the one who facilitated communion with God. If this is a normative principle, then the tithe is a way to honor the Lord for his faithfulness in providing for his people. And the tithe should be given to those who facilitate communion with God.
Giving is different from tithing. Giving is about helping those who lack the requisite resources to do the will of God.2 God as one’s provider may choose to meet a person’s need through someone else’s resources. God often uses people to meet the needs of others who lack the resources to do his will. In this case, the people helping are not looking for a tangible return on investment (ROI) but rather an intangible ROI—watching others mature in Christ and fulfill God’s call on their lives. This is Christian giving.
Here is your business tip. Wise organizational leaders and managers must embrace a high view of all Scripture, including the Old Testament, interpreted based on Jesus as Lord and Christ. Accordingly, they should encourage all stakeholders to honor the Lord as their provider, both individually and organizationally. A way to do this is to practice the tithe principle. Also, giving should be a second way of honoring the Lord. All stakeholders should be sensitive when they see someone lacking resources to align with the will of God. In such situations, the Lord may be directing a stakeholder or stakeholders to help meet those needs. In faithfully practicing the principles of tithing and giving, the stakeholders are gratefully acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, including temporal provision.
