Genesis 14:20
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
This is the first mention I have seen about giving a 1/10 of your “bounty” … this becomes the magic number until the new testament, where it’s somewhere between nothing and everything.
Tithing is one of those tough subjects because of mans desires for everything. Then we justify not doing it by “there’s not enough” or “they would not do what I wanted” or “it’s going to someone’s lavish lifestyle and not to God” or “God will love me either way” and “He wants me to keep the money” or “I give of my time” or (fill in the blank) … excuses are many for not giving but the bible is clear.
The Clintons gave a large amount of their money (well over 10% to charity), some raise an eyebrow since the major recipient of the donations was their own charity. Makes you wonder were they lining their own pockets or distributing money the way they saw fit?? That has always been a “fantasy” of mine, if I were rich how would I donate large sums?? I would worry about how someone would handle the money … i would want to ensure it helped the poor and needy … and have thought the best way is my own charitable foundation. Where I would release control to a group of people who made nothing from the charity … and just agreed on the distribution.
I don’t think God worries as much on how the money is used as much as that we are giving. It’s a sign of obedience to give.
As Nike says “Just do it” …
Proverbs 1:7 –
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”