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Understanding Consequences of not Tithing (What does the Bible say about Tithing?)

Understanding Consequences of not Tithing

What does it mean to honor God with our finances? This question strikes at the heart of biblical stewardship and our walk with God. And one practice that embodies financial worship is tithing – the custom of setting aside 10% of one’s income to fund God’s work. Understanding Consequences of not Tithing will help you realize why it is necessary for some.

On the surface, tithing may seem like an antiquated tradition or legalistic obligation. But when we trace its origins and unpack its deeper spiritual implications, we discover profound relevance for followers of Christ today.

Join me as we explore the foundations, motivations and blessings tied to this biblical principle of giving back to God. Let’s rediscover the significance of tithes and offerings in our modern context. What does the bible say about tithing?

What happens when we don’t tithe?

Old Testament Origins

To appreciate why believers tithe, we need to start at the beginning. In the opening books of the Bible, tithing surfaces as a form of worship, sacrifice and supporting those ministering in the name of God.

We first witness tithing when Abraham gives “a tenth of everything” to Melchizedek, priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:20). Abraham had just emerged victorious from war, so this tithe offered from the spoils signifies honor and thanksgiving to God for delivering enemies into his hands.

Later, in Leviticus, tithing becomes formalized as Moses receives the Law from God. “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30).

Here we catch a glimpse of God’s heart behind this instruction. The tithe bears His sacred stamp. Dedicating a percentage back to Him is holy and righteous.

In Deuteronomy 14, Moses unpacks this further, explaining the purpose behind tithing every third year. This tithe supported the Levites, priests and foreigner who had no allotment of land from which to live. It also cared for widows and orphans in their distress. We see social responsibility intertwined with worship.

Tithing has been observed by Christians for generations

Heart Posture Behind Tithing

In the Old Testament, tithing served as the fuel powering ministry to God’s people. So refusing to tithe wasn’t just stinginess, it jeopardized crucial infrastructure enabling worship and spiritual nourishment.

The prophet Malachi brings an intense word from God to stir up the Israelites regarding their negligence and robbery by not bringing full tithes (Malachi 3:8-10). This passage reveals the Lord’s frustration at their apathy and waywardness.

God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test me in this way, says the LORD of hosts. See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down blessing until there is no more need.”

This verse encapsulates a pivotal truth: tithing reflects the posture of our hearts more than fulfilling an external directive. God cares deeply about motives, desire and loyalty to Him above all.

What happens when we don't tithe?

New Testament Principles

We see tithing less explicitly referenced in the New Testament, likely because Jesus came to invite people into a new covenant no longer bound by laws etched in stone. His message focused more on posture than percentages.

The teacher John the Baptist exemplifies this when addressing tax collectors and soldiers in Luke 3. When they ask how to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, he replies generically to share food and clothing rather tell them a set tithe.

The emphasis lies more on living generously by the Spirit than specific tithes. As Paul encourages, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Still, in the same passage, Paul references giving proportionally, that our gift depends on what we have to give. Through the lens of New Testament theology, tithing carries symbolic value regardless of exact amounts.

How much should we tithe?

Understanding Consequences of not Tithing: Heart Transformations from Tithing

Tithing remains a meaningful practice today because its implications run deeper than transactional. More than a responsibility off our checklist, tithing stems from revelation of God’s abundance that leads to big-hearted generosity.

It starts by acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God. We own no resources, just steward access to finances and material goods (Deuteronomy 8:18). Tithing puts that belief into action.

As Dallas Willard wrote in The Spirit of the Disciplines, “Thetithe is an exercise that redeems buying by setting us free from slavery to posessions.” Reserving the initial 10% checks impulses to indulge every personal craving.

Tithing stretches our capacity for generosity and care for others. Transferring tithes to sustain kingdom work nurtures eyes to see needs around us. It shifts focus from self-centered accumulation to overflow channels that bless.

This habit reorients affections to find satisfaction in eternal rewards more than fleeting comforts. Tithes open hands to release rather than hoard God’s bounty. As we give freely, it unlocks freedom and loosens greed’s grip on hearts.

What does tithing do? Consequences of not Tithing

Testimonies to Blessings from Tithing

Scripture references apparent material blessings tied to faithfulness in tithes. When King Hezekiah reinstituted tithing among Israelites, “as heaps of grain, wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of the field increased, there was an abundance for all” (2 Chronicles 31:5-10).

But beware transactional approaches to tithing where we “pay to play” and expect guaranteed returns for passing go. God remains sovereign no matter how obediently we tithe.

Still, tithing positions us to notice and testify to blessings in hindsight. As Jesus reminds, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38).

I’ve witnessed this principle at work when unexpected checks arrive or expenses shrink after consistent tithing. But the blessings far exceed dollars and cents. There is special joy, peace and purpose when we honor God first with income that enables pursuing His kingdom.

Tithing in the Modern Era

Contemporary Christians debate proper use of tithes given reduced clergy roles and widespread access to biblical resources outside the four church walls. But this risks rationalizing and overcomplicating our responsibility.

While pastors hold less hierarchical influence today, local churches still facilitate crucial gatherings for communal worship, pastoral care, sacraments, ceremonies, religious education, counseling and mission work. Tithing continues to fuel this infrastructure.

Beyond sustaining weekly services, a significant portion of tithe money flows to subsurface needs like supporting full-time youth pastors, assisting struggling families and funding community development programs. These channels of blessing often go unseen.

And during season of crisis in recent years, churches that built financial capacity through consistent tithing can pivot to meet escalating needs. Generous givers enable the church’s compassionate response.

Consequences When We Refuse God’s Claim

While the blessings of faithful tithing manifest clearly throughout Scripture, we also witness trouble that arises from withholding what rightfully belongs to God. Beyond missing positive results, defiance carries consequences.

In Haggai’s pronouncement to Israelites returning from exile we’re told, “Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. Why? Declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins.” (Haggai 1:5-10)

This links their scarce harvests, constant hunger and thirst to the crumbling temple they’ve neglected by not giving required materials and money. The passage continues with God calling for the rebuilding of His house which suggests proper use of tithes.

While we no longer give animal sacrifices, the parallel remains that funding gospel work enables God’s presence to dwell richly among us. Our devotion and resources fuel access for people meet with Him.

But even beyond possible natural consequences, defiantly setting aside God’s portion can expose deeper heart issues. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)

If we bristle at trusting God through tithing, clinging tightly to resources He asks us to steward, what does our reaction reveal? Perhaps anxiety stemming from self-reliance rather than resting in His provision.

Withholding tithes while indulging personal appetites above kingdom priorities manifests idolatry. We place faith in our own plans and abilities to deliver security and happiness, functionally dethroning God.

At its core, refusal to tithe signals belief in the illusion of self-ownership because generosity requires humility and trust to give up perceived control. We reveal failure to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of every good gift in our lives.

As stewards called to cultivate every resource under management for His glory, defiance stunts that process. It hinders full participation in His agenda which will only ever result in lack and dissatisfaction.

While this reality strikes painfully close to home, Scripture reminds us that God disciplines those He loves. His invitation into greater obedience – though difficult initially – always aims to bless us richly as we draw closer in relationship with Him.

Considering these sobering truths, how might God be nudging your perspective or practice related to honoring Him with a tithe of income? Why not take a step forward in faith, even imperfectly, and let Him guide you into greater wisdom on stewarding His riches.

Final Reflections on Whole-Life Stewardship

In closing, tithing serves as one building block within whole-life stewardship before God. This habit ushers us into sanctification where we increasingly yield areas once gripped by self-indulgence and pride over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

As we grow in revelation of the vastness of God’s promises and provisions, tithing shifts from burden to joy. We give freely out of intimate relationship with the Father, not compulsion. And we mirror His compassionate heart to pour ourselves out for the life of others.

While questions around appropriate use of tithe dollars will continue, the core practice ingrains posture of dependence on God and generosity towards what He deems sacred. May tithing mark a starting line on the path of wisdom in how we steward everything entrusted to us.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What initially comes to mind when you think about tithing? What perceptions or experiences color your approach?
  2. As you consider key biblical passages on financial stewardship, what most jumps out or surprises you? How might this refine your perspective?
  3. Could there be any underlying issues like greed, entitlement or resisting God’s authority that tithing exposes? How do you sense the Spirit leading you to realign priorities?
  4. What possible blessings – tangible or intangible – might unfold by honoring God in this way, even imperfectly? Are you willing to test Him?

I pray our exploration leads to revived awe and intimacy with our Provider. May abiding in Christ as branches on a vine bear the fruit of joy-filled generosity!

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