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Can You Tithe Your Way Out Of Debt? (Track This Article)

In the course of being active in the local church and attaining Associate Degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Theology, I became convinced that the teaching - "tithe your way out of debt" - is false teaching!

There is no scripture that justifies this, not even Malachi.

In fact, much of the church teaches Malachi incorrectly. They do not teach the entire passage on tithing. The leave out its beginning that speaks of "you have gone away from mine ordinances". The word "ordinances" means "laws". And, as Paul said -" he (Jesus) released us from the curse of the law". An evangelist friend argued that tithing was before the Law. I argued that so was circumcision. We agreed to disagree.

However, there is no doubt that this teaching, that you can give your way out of debt, or, to put it another way they teach it, "you can't out give God", has ruined many Christian families.

We had an evangelist come to our church and teach "Want a better house? Give yours away and God will give you a better house!" One woman in the church actually put her wedding ring in the plate because she was so far in debt she had no money to give. She would have been better off pawning the ring for cash and putting it towards a debt! You can imagine, her husband was not at all pleased! The Pastor had enough sense to give her back the ring.

Listen - if you are giving-to-get, you will be disappointed and always be in debt! You are not going to get a check in the mail from "God Incorporated"!

Let me give a little disclaimer right here. I am not telling you to stop "tithing". If you firmly believe that tithing is your way out of debt, keep doing it. If you preach Malachi from the pulpit, please, preach what Paul taught about being a cheerful giver from the heart and that he who gives liberally will receive liberally. Give your audience all scriptures about giving. I am not attempting to destroy the church. I am simply showing what scripture teaches.

Jesus taught a lot about money. He taught that we should be good stewards of God's money. He taught that we should be smart investors of God's money. He taught that we should pay our taxes (render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's). And, Proverbs tells us - "neither a borrower nor a lender be". The Bible is full of advice about money, debt, work, and responsibility. Unfortunately, many Christians don’t read it and study it. Many would rather take the word of some evangelist because it sounds good and they are at the end of their rope! Bill collectors are banging at the door!

A friend said to me - "I tithe faithfully but God is not blessing me. I can't figure it out?"

I answered frankly - "Well, maybe it's because you spend $50.00 a week going to a massage parlor and another $20.00 a week on beer. That's $70.00 a week you could be giving to God's work."

God does not look at how much you give. He looks at your heart, you motive for giving, and, He looks at what you do with the money he has put into your hands. There are many scriptures to support this. The meeting between Jesus and the rich man is a prime example. Also, take some time and read what the book of James teaches about money. It's a short and powerful book that will enlighten you.

Because of the way Malachi has been taught, many people believe that all they need to do is give God 10% (tithe means 10%) plus an offering above the tithe amount and we have met God's law. But, we are no longer under the law, remember? Case in point: When I was a fund raiser for a major Christian ministry we received a check from a gentleman for $150.97 each and every month. No doubt, this was a tithe (10%) from his income.

So, how should you give? And, more important, where do you find the money to give?

1) Pay off your debts! If you are a Christian and if you are behind in your bills, what does this say to non-Christians about the Christian faith? Get a second job if you have to. But, get out of debt. Get Christian Credit Counseling if necessary. But, get out of debt! You are not going to get a check in your mailbox from God, Incorporated to get you out of debt!

2) Give what you can for now. Even one-dollar! Give it cheerfully!

3) Don't give to get. Give with the idea you are helping the work of the church or your chosen charity to help those even less fortunate than you.

4) Stop squandering God's money (like the example of my friend). Spend on what you need, not to satisfy selfish desires for things.

In my own life, once I understood Malachi, my financial situation changed dramatically for the better. I began by asking the Holy Spirit how much I should give, ignoring the 10% rule.

Once he said - "Give $200.00".

I said - "We only have $300.00 in our checking account".

He said - "Give $200.00".

I said - "OK".

Another time He said - "Don't give anything. You're going to need it".

I said - "OK". and, guess what, we needed it for an unexpected bill.

Did the Holy Spirit talk to me out loud? No, of course not! It was simply a clear thought, a knowing that it was Him speaking. After a while you will get to know when it’s Him talking to you in your thoughts.

Ever since my wife and I have been giving this way, our debts, except for a home mortgage, are gone. Our Savings have grown, and, best of all, our needs are always met. Now, you either have a Mortgage or pay Rent, maybe a car payment, food on the table, clothing, medical, etc. These are debts that almost everyone must incur. The point is, always ask yourself, “Do we need this or just want this?” That simple question will get you out of debt faster than tithing or any budget plan devised by man.

Yours for Success in Life!
Jim DeSantis

P.S. - Please forward this article to someone who may benefit from it.
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