Numbers 18 instructs us regarding our tithing to the Lord. According to Warren Wiersbe “The Jews were obligated to pay three different tithes: a tithe to the Levites, a tithe “eaten before the Lord,” and a tithe every three years that was given to the poor. The Levites in turn were to take a tithe of what they received, offer it to the Lord, and give it to the high priest.” This is called in verse 25, a “tithe of the tithe.”
I’ve met many pastor’s and religious workers who do not tithe to their churches. For some reason they feel their income is exempt. Wiersbe says he’s seen that as well. “On occasion I’ve met people in Christian service who don’t give to the Lord’s work because they consider themselves exempt.’ We’re serving the Lord and all that we have belongs to Him,’ they argue, but their argument doesn’t hold water. The Levites were serving God full time, yet they tithed what they received.” Tithing is how we acknowledge to God that everything we have comes from Him. “Love in Action” is always God’s way.
We will learn in Deuteronomy that the purpose of the tithe is so that we’ll learn to put God first in our lives. Everyone; missionary, pastor, elder, church goer-all Christians, need to continually improve in putting God first in their lives. When we put God first financially he opens the doors of heaven to us in many ways. Tithing teaches me to trust God for my provision. Tithing identifies me as a partner with God in His work in the world. Tithing brings success over my battle with materialism in the world. Tithing makes me part of something bigger than myself. Tithing gives me a clear conscience before God and others. Tithing helps me discipline my use of the rest of my income. Tithing enables my church to do more for the community and the world than it would otherwise. But most of all, tithing demonstrates that where my treasure is there my heart is also.