Reasons for Tithing by Isaac E. Terry

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1916

Reasons for Tithing

By Isaac E. Terry

God has commanded his people to give (Deut. 16:17; Matt. 5:42), and has coupled very precious promises with the act and fact of giving (Ps. 41:1-3; Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38). He has so framed creation and ordered the course of nature that all man’s surroundings are ever teaching him the sublime and needed lesson of the benefit and blessing of a life from which flows some of the good he himself is continually receiving through the never-failing operation of divine providence.

Undoubtedly the best method ever devised for affording financial help to the cause of Christ is the one having as its basis the giving of one tenth of the income into the treasury of the Lord. We will notice some of the more apparent reasons why this system should be adopted by all Adventists.

1. It honors God. To devote a definite amount to the Lord must be pleasing in his sight, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. It will please him, we may be sure, to see us following in the footsteps of Abraham and other worthies; and as God “preached before the gospel unto Abraham,” we may adopt Abraham’s method in the gospel age without fear of offense or danger of becoming legal.

2. It brings a blessing. It is the universal testimony of those who have adopted this plan, that great personal blessing has come, and that nine tenths go farther than the ten tenths formerly did. This may not be the highest motive for giving, but it is one not to be overlooked or despised.

3. It helps faith. In many instances it requires great faith to leave the old habit of haphazard giving and to adopt what seems to the individual to be a new, uncertain, and strange method. Is it right? Can I afford it? Will it pay? These are some of the questions that confront one. It needs only the realization of God’s blessing and leading after the new step is taken, greatly to strengthen faith. The testing of faith precedes the act of giving, and is a part of the process by which this virtue is developed. . . .

4. It guards against inequality. Those with the largest incomes are not always the greatest givers. On the contrary, it is well known that the bulk of all incomes of those societies dependent on public benefactions, comes from those who are in moderate circumstances. The tithing system tends to correct this inequality, as does every divine precept tend to correct the condition brought about by man’s sin, indifference, and greed. Some churches are supported by yearly pledges. If those who pledge earn more at one season than at another, it is apt to be a difficult thing to keep up the payments when work is slack. By giving one tenth the year round, this difficulty would be obviated. Giving largely when work and wages are plenty, giving less (in amount, not in proportion) when these are decreased, would result in no broken pledges and no one discouraged or ashamed. The principle would apply equally to the more and to the less productive periods of our life work.

5. It presents a safe minimum. Where no fixed rule has been accepted and resolved on, the temptation is always present to cut from one’s subscription to church or charity, on the plea of personal necessity, hard times, or what not,—a rather poor place to begin economy from several standpoints. Will a man rob God? The writer has known several who have tried it, and lost a great deal more by the transaction than they hoped to gain. You need not stop with giving a tenth, but let that be the least you do give.

6. It solves the problem of giving. Many, on being approached on this subject, say, “Oh, I give more than that now!” Such have no real idea how much, or rather how little, they do give. They have derived their conceptions from having reversed the divine command to have God first: they put him last in their expense account. The process is usually something like this: Pay the grocer, pay

the landlord, the butcher, the doctor; have some ice cream, go for a ride, get an automobile or piano “on the instalment plan,” and then if there is anything left, (think of it!) give a part of it to our Maker. When one has spent his weekly or monthly wage down to the last fifty cents, it seems like giving much to give half of it in the Sunday morning collection, to be sure. But is it? Brother, put God first, give him the tenth while the money is in your hand, then with a merry heart, a clear conscience, and Heaven’s blessing, give those dear to you the full benefit of your work and wisdom for God and for them.

7. It eliminates wrong methods. The many frivolous, worldly, and impious ways that have been thought of and carried out to secure money from the unwilling and the unsanctified, could be forever abandoned, if all professed Christians had faith like a grain of mustard seed, and would adopt God’s financial plan.

8. Teaches value of order. Order, which is one of the elements of success, is fostered in those who adopt systematic giving. This lesson is as helpful in the spiritual life as it is known to be in worldly affairs.

9. Saves time and strength. If the time and strength spent in begging, baking, and bargaining, were spent in legitimate endeavor, there would not be so many slim prayer meetings through the week, or empty pews on Sunday.

10. It provides more means. A case in point is that of a brother who found that on becoming a tithe payer, his giving amounted yearly to more than ten times what it had formerly been. If you think you are giving as much without tithing, you should adopt the plan right away, as you have nothing to lose from your standpoint, and considerable to gain from the standpoint of others. If all would pay tithes, the financial problem of the Christian church would at once be solved.

A small body of people like the Adventists need to give systematically, that the stupendous task given them by God may be carried to a successful issue. There is no system of church finance equal to tithing. God is its author, and he will honor it if we carry it out as a freewill offering, and not under compulsion.—Isaac E. Terry, in the World’s Crisis.