p. 797 | The Tithing System by E. K. Slade

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 21, 1913

The Tithing System

By E. K. Slade

Gospel Order—No. 5

The Tithing System

"God's plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality." In recent years ministers and leading church workers of different denominations have come to us with such statements as this: "We cannot agree with you on your peculiar points of faith, but we do admire your financial system." One man prominent in a certain church said, when told what our members were paying per capita in tithes and offerings: "How do you do this? We could never bring our people up to that. There must be considerable wealth in your denomination. Will you kindly give me the secret of your success in this thing in your church?" Our attention has at different times been called to instances where ministers of prominent denominations have been sent to our conference officers and workers to investigate the tithing system with a view to adopting it in their work. Some congregations, and even conferences, of other churches have voted to put it in practise.

All this goes to show how the plan appeals to others. It will be discovered, though, that more than a knowledge of the system is required for its successful

operation in the church. The plan in itself is perfect and simple and equitable, but it can become operative in full only in the lives of those who commit themselves fully to the carrying out of God's plans concerning themselves and the world.

"The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God."—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. III, page 404.

It has been dealt with altogether too lightly and too slightingly by many of God's people. It is a mistake to feel that it is merely a convenient arrangement, a basis of reckoning that we have consented to, that we can set aside at our option without involving anything more than a fluctuation of the funds. God deals with facts and time and material things in all that he requires of humanity; and in our relation to and use of these things, eternal principles are involved. As long as the law of God exists, the principle connected with the tithing system will endure. From time to time different individuals in the church have taken the position that it mattered little whether or not we conformed wholly to the requirements of this system; and we have in our churches today men and women who fail to comprehend the true basis of the tithing system. Persons holding such views, however, do not remain as consistent and helpful members of the church very long. Their relation to other vital truths, especially the spirit of prophecy, is soon seen to be at fault, and their love for the cause naturally wanes.

When we esteem the tithing system as merely a convenient financial arrangement or as a good plan for the support of the ministry, or as something which, seeming to be a desirable plan during the Levitical dispensation, had by our choice been adopted for this time, we mistake the bearing of this important truth. Some have chosen to remain in the dark relating to the matter, yet they will be without excuse. "It is a heaven-appointed plan that men should return to the Lord his own; and this is so plainly stated that men and women have no excuse for misunderstanding or evading the duties and responsibilities God has laid upon them. Those who claim that they cannot see this to be their duty reveal to the heavenly universe, to the church, and to the world that they do not want to see this plainly stated requirement."

We have reached a time in our work in which universal faithfulness should be practised in the payment of tithes; yet we know there are many who are not true in this respect. There will be no lack of funds when all are true. "If one and all would accept it, each would be made a vigilant and faithful treasurer for God; and there would be no want of means with which to carry forward the message of warning to the world. The treasury will be full if all will adopt this system, and the contributors will not be left the poorer." The fact that the treasury is not full and that there is a serious lack of funds indicates that many are withholding tithes. By this unfaithfulness the work has been retarded for lack of funds; but more serious than this is the lack of spirituality as a result of robbing God. "Those churches which are most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually." In this vital time when the magnitude of the work towers up before us and the shortness of time is so evident, when funds are so much needed and greater spirituality is imperative, shall we not recognize the need of all coming in line on this point in which so much is evidently involved?

Mount Vernon, Ohio.