One story that keeps coming to mind is the widow of Zarephath and her ability to give out her last meal to a man she hardly knew. This particular story was strongly impressed on my mind during a financially tight month in my life; no profit (infact it was a loss) for that month so I deluded myself into believing that it automatically equaled no tithe. Oh was I shocked during one of my family routine prayers that I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to give far more than I had been giving on a monthly basis (don’t mind me; the salary habit is still in me). On a serious note, this was a struggle for me; “how can I tithe on a loss and to make it worse (or should I say better), I was expected to give five times my average?”
Almost 2 years ago, I wrote an article on Tithing titled “Tithe or Tight”; it is imperative you read it before delving deep into this article; you may click HERE to read it. Tithe as it is general agreed by the Evangelicals, is giving one-tenth of your increase (profit) to God. This particular definition may have been a stumbling block to accessing the promises inherent in tithing. Wait! Let me point out that there have been series of abuses to this particular concept called tithing. I have witnessed firsthand that religion is actually the opium of people; people can literarily “die” to protect a religious view rather than a Godly view. This people rely so much on a laid out culture/tradition that has guided their religious assembly that it becomes difficult to respond to their inner promptings.
The ineffectiveness of tithing is actually premised on the neglecting the inner prompting of the Spirit and embracing the cultural norm. Cultural norms are inherently faulty; from the interpretation of what tithing should be and the expected result. First of all, is the issue of physical blessing; about 98% of those who practice tithing in Nigeria do it to gain physical blessing whether it is financial or health inclined (this statistics is simply empirical). And the number one reference would be Malachi 3: 10.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”
I am not going to go into any interpretations because I believe the Holy Spirit shall reveal that to you if you yield yourself to Him. However, I shall deal with the expectation regarding the physical blessing. The blessing that was revealed in this particular chapter has nothing to do with physical blessing. Well, I guess I have to do the interpretation or I may never be able to do justice to this article. The verse above simply means God will open our hearts and minds, that is remove the scales or veil (our carnal opinions and theories about God) from the mind’s eye. The removal of this veil from our mind’s eye is the window of heaven opening in us, whereby the Messiah’s words that are Spirit and Life are received and understood within us. The blessing he is bestowing on us is spiritual in nature.
Ok, I hope I have not burst the bubbles of those who say; “ever since I paid my tithe, I have never been sick or my finances have not been wasteful ever since I tithe or my X financial worth became 2X ever since I have started tithing”. All these statements are delusional and lack any biblical truth. The deeper meaning of these aforementioned statements is that God has become a merchant that you procure good health from or a money “doubler” that increases your finances based on your input to progress His kingdom activities: For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.
In some circles, there are arguments concerning paying tithe or not; tithe is the Lord’s not yours so it is essential to pay. The percentage of what to pay may be confusing; while some say 10th of your increase, others say 10th of your salary. It is a general agreement that the former be used for the independent business operators whiles the latter for the workforce. This takes the confusion to an utter high because if a salary earner thinks like a business man, he would remove the transportation, tax, vehicle maintenance, etc cost from their salary before tithing on the remainder. This is why a general rule does not work; this is why every man should know God for himself; God is more interested in uniqueness rather than conformance.
It is a complete delusion to believe that the gateway to physical wealth is by tithing (whether you agree with it consciously or sub-consciously): Thus, tithing would express worship to God; tithing would indicate to you, your love for God through the support of God’s Kingdom; tithing would continually remind you that God is your source, tithing would reduce greed, selfishness and materialism in your life and finally tithing would open the windows of heaven in your life where God would speak to you directly. If God speaks to you directly, you are wealthier than the richest man in the world. This is why you must learn to lean on the inner prompting of the Spirit rather than culture of your general assembly. The inner prompting of the Holy Spirit becomes strengthen in your life when you obey Him and would fade away each time you disobey. Have a lovely week!
The video below was published in You Tube and I decided to share with my dear readers: What do you make of it?
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9 comments
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March 1, 2010 at 8:20 am (UTC 1)
I must say I am quiet disappointed in this write-up and I wonder why some people see it as a thought provoking one. For the writer to have concluded that the rewards of tithe only brings spiritual gains is not only wrong but shallow interpretation.
Please look at the Malachi Scripture well, read it and understand it very well. Try and understand what prompted the scripture in the first place before you decide to give it your own interpretation.
The just shall live by faith, the person tithing knows there is going to be a reward, both physically and spiritually. Even the wido of Zarepath got physical rewards!!!.
Please refrain from using your own personal interpretations and opinions to confuse people the more.
“God is more interested in uniqueness rather than conformance” – I believe if you read the whole Malachi 3 chapter, you will understand that “conformance” to the dictates of God is what our lives is all about.
February 25, 2010 at 3:32 pm (UTC 1)
Hmm! This is Dipo at his controversal and thought-provoking best.lol
Quite agree with most of your assertions but the blessing also applies to the physical as well. Tithing is one of the givings mentioned in the Bible just like offering, charity etc.
I have taught in my house fellowship that we should not define for God how to bless our tithe which many of us do often expecting it to be in financial terms. The blessing which our store house can not be able to contain could as well be opportunities, connections, relatioships, revelations,ideas etc that could change our lives for good.
Quite insightful
February 24, 2010 at 11:05 am (UTC 1)
Your interpretation of “windows of heaven opening ….” is not entirely true my dear friend. While I agree your definition is inclusive, it is definitely not exclusive of material wealth. What you might say is that there are other things that a Christian must do in addition to tithing to enjoy this physical uplifting. It is also true that you cannot tithe and then do nothing and expect to increase materially. Anyway, tithing is good, a must for everyone … God’s blessings are inherent in practicing it.
February 23, 2010 at 11:38 pm (UTC 1)
Bros, that was a great write up.While i tend to agree completely with your thinking,are you sure of the precepts and the interpretation there-in?
I kind of see this as quite a positive and objective veiwpoint,but am sure that a good numbers of pastor will not subscribe to this nor will they preach this “at” thier congregation.
February 22, 2010 at 10:36 pm (UTC 1)
This is great, inspiring and life changing!!!
February 22, 2010 at 12:05 pm (UTC 1)
I absolutely love this. Thanks!
February 18, 2010 at 5:22 pm (UTC 1)
“It is a complete delusion to believe that the gateway to physical wealth is by tithing ”
This reminds me of a situation that happened in a Millionaire seminar. I defined financial intelligence as the ability to make money, manage money and multiply money. Someone then said that tithing is one of the way to manage money. I didn’t agree. Tithing is far beyond the physical!
February 18, 2010 at 3:23 pm (UTC 1)
…..hmmmm! What a light!
Could you please write about first fruits?
Spirit-led piece……………
Thanks..
February 18, 2010 at 11:19 am (UTC 1)
hmm.very thought provoking.
Tithing Us » The Delusion of Tithing: Dipo Tepede.POeT says:
February 18, 2010 at 11:26 am (UTC 1)
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