I heard that some churches REQUIRE you to give ten percent of your income in order to be a member of the church; do you think that’s right? This also means that you have to let people know how much you make every year (the exact amount) just to be a member!!!!! I think that’s an invasion of people’s private life. However much someone makes is none of anyone’s business.
Honestly, I don’t have a problem giving my tithe; I do it faithfully, but for those who don’t want to give faithfully, I think that should be between them and God. God will decide what to do with them, not us.
What do you think about this issue? Is it right to make it a REQUIREMENT for people to give a tithe in order to be a member of a church?
Sincerely,
Not Paying For A Pew
Dear Not Paying For A Pew,
No, it isn’t right to require people to give ten percent of their income… in fact, tithing isn’t even a commandment in the New Testament. In the New Testament (which is the law that christians follow), we are told to “give cheerfully” and “give as we have purposed” (2 Cor 9:72 Cor 9:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 [Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
WP-Bible plugin). Ten percent is a good rule of thumb because we see that being the standard in the Old Testament, but it isn’t a requirement. If any congregation teaches that you have to give ten percent to be a member of the church – it is a false church. That kind of teaching goes beyond the Scriptures and should be condemned for its arrogance (1 Cor 4:61 Cor 4:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not [to go] beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
WP-Bible plugin). On the first day of the week (Sunday), the church should take up a collection from the christians, and each member must decide for themselves to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor 16:1-21 Cor 16:1-2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
WP-Bible plugin). The religious world is full of greedy and covetous religious leaders, and they are wrong (Tit 1:10-11Tit 1:10-11
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
10 For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision,
11 whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
WP-Bible plugin). If you would like help finding a congregation that is faithful to God’s Word in your area, please e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org, and we will do our best to help you find a church in your area.