Frank’s Tithing Journey

Frank used to be very “religious” and rarely missed a Sunday service. In any given month, he heard the pastor remind the congregation about the importance of giving on at least three out of the four Sundays. On the fourth Sunday, the pastor would typically hand the microphone to a visiting speaker—usually a representative from a charity or a missionary visiting from a distant shore—who made an emotional appeal for their cause. It was on those Sundays that the offering baskets went around twice: once for the church and once for the visitor’s ministry.

These days, Frank attends a non-denominational church that doesn’t pass a collection plate and rarely even mentions tithing. Remarkably, his new church thrives financially.

What Does the Bible Actually Say About Tithing?

Tithing is primarily an Old Testament concept. The word “tithe” comes from the Hebrew ma’aser (מַעֲשֵׂר), meaning “a tenth.” Under the Mosaic Law, Israelites were required to give 10 percent of their crops and livestock to support the temple and the Levites.

“… the people of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. – 2 Chronicles 31:5

A flat 10-percent tithe made sense in an agrarian society with relatively low taxes. Today, however, taxes (federal, state, property, sales, etc.) often consume a much larger portion of income, especially for lower- and middle-income families. A family of four earning $70,000 a year can struggle to make ends meet, while a family earning several hundred thousand dollars feels far less strain. Consequently, a mandatory 10-percent tithe is more burdensome for lower-income households than for wealthier ones and may not be the most equitable benchmark.

Thankfully, the New Testament shifts the focus from legal obligation to the attitude of the heart:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” – 2 Corinthians 9:6–8

These verses contain everything we really need to know about Christian giving: give generously, give cheerfully, and give as you have decided in your own heart—no guilt, no pressure. It all comes from God, so be cheerful with where you are in life, with what you have in life, and share accordingly. 

Giving isn’t limited to money or possessions.  Some people have more time than money, others have more money than time, and a fortunate few have an abundance of both. 

Over time he took control of his giving, directing it toward carefully researched charities whose efforts he wholeheartedly supported. That shift turned generosity into a genuinely pleasant and rewarding experience, bringing him balance, happiness, and peace.

Frank’s Grandchildren

Now an older gentleman, Frank is no longer physically able to volunteer. Yet God has blessed his investments, providing more income than he needs for a comfortable life. So Frank developed a new system: he aims to give roughly 10% of his net (after-tax) income. He sets that money aside in a separate bank account he calls his “charity account” and is very intentional with his charitable contributions.  In lieu of trusting his church with the bulk of his charitable funds, Frank still gives a nominal amount to the church with the rest going to his favorite charities.  He endearingly refers to those 8 charities as “my grandchildren”.  

Frank’s Reflection

Looking back over his life, Frank realized that his view of money had profoundly changed as his relationship with God became more intimate. He originally believed his wealth was solely the fruit of his own hard work, but he came to see it as resources that God had entrusted to him. It was never truly “his” to hoard or lord over; rather, God had appointed him as a steward over it.

Frank came to truly understand the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30:

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away…”

This parable teaches that God entrusts each of us with resources and expects us to manage them wisely and faithfully. The different amounts given to each servant show that stewardship is not about receiving equal portions, but about being faithful with whatever we have been given—no matter how much or how little.

God did not hand Frank a literal bag of money, but He blessed him with a successful career through which he could build wealth. Frank took that responsibility seriously. Far more than just being generous, he intentionally researched charities before giving.

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