Bible Passage: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
My property taxes have roughly doubled in five years. I grumble and complain and long for political reform. I also pay the taxes. So do you.
God, who is a much greater authority than the CRA or IRS, won’t demand a tax from you.
He asks for a tithe.
He also invites us beyond tithing to a lifestyle of generous love (tipping) in step with God’s Spirit. Let’s get practical.
Tithe: Choose a baseline giving level. Give it to God’s mission (church, evangelism, mercy, and justice). Call this your tithe.[1] 10% is a great place to begin for some, way too much for others, and not nearly enough for many of us in the West. Our tithe is a recognition that God has a bigger claim on our lives and money than the government.
Kingdom Tipping: Tipping culture where I live has gone mad. Nonetheless, tipping is a great metaphor for single acts of generosity and rhythms of generosity above and beyond our tithes. Rather than a credit card machine suggesting an extra 18%, the Spirit will lead us into much smaller and larger “tips,” not just in restaurants, but in many areas of life.
One family I know deliberately has a timeshare that they mainly give away. They know how many families can barely afford a vacation and delight in helping.
Another has a bigger-than-needed house to regularly host events and meetings for their community.
Another let someone who rear-ended them off the hook because they sensed God wanted them to.
Another sold a car way below value and delayed the payment to help the buyer out.
Another man renovates freely for others where needed (and often at some cost to himself).
A man in our church once fixed my dryer. He spent hours chatting with me, teaching me to read the circuit diagram, and then unexpectedly paid for a needed replacement part.
Rich and poor men alike are attached to and worship wealth and things. The way to break the grip of this idolatry is to give our hearts to Another.
God is inviting men to give Him our hearts and join Him in a life of generosity, a life of tithes and tips. Such a life is meaningful for us, glorifies God, and is a surgical strike in the war against materialism.
Prayer: Lord, increase my love for You and understanding of Your love for me. Teach me to give with You and like You. Amen.
Reflection: Take a few minutes to evaluate your own tithes and tipping practices. Reflect on where you love to give and where God might be leading you into next steps. Which of the stories of generosity above inspire you?
[1] There’s a lot of discussion and debate about whether Christians need to tithe 10% or not under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. I think this discussion often treats God like a governmental tax agent who has no remorse for those who genuinely can’t afford it and who also never raises the “tax” on the wealthy. Working out how much you’ll give, and learning to do it joyfully and as prompted by God, is part of the journey to a changed mindset and heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).
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