Growing up in the church, I was always taught the importance of the “tithe”, giving the first 10% of your income to God. “First” was emphasized, as I was taught to prioritize giving to God and then budget the remaining 90% for my living expenses. I would occasionally give to the church, however, it was never the first of my income, it was usually what remained of my income. Giving a full 10% tithe was a rare occurrence. To justify this, I made excuses: “I can’t afford it. I barely have enough to survive. I don’t make enough money to be generous.
My girlfriend, Lily, and I had been dating long enough for me to know that I wanted to marry her. The thought of paying for a wedding and supporting a wife seemed completely unfeasible. I had car debt and student loan debt that amounted to $120,000. This appeared to be an infinite amount during a time in my life when I had no discretionary income remaining each month. I went from job to job in my field, growing neither in my career nor salary. How could I possibly afford to marry Lily?
One Sunday, while listening to a sermon at Crossroads about faithfully tithing, I felt convicted that giving my tithe was not an act of generosity, but rather an act of obedience. Together, we took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course through Crossroads. In one day, we had my monthly budget set up with “Tithes” at the top of my list of expenses. I prayed this prayer, “Lord, I want to be a faithful servant. I want to get married. I feel like I can’t afford to faithfully tithe or get married. Regardless, I commit to giving you the first 10% of the income you’ve given me. I trust that you will provide for me to make it through the rest of the month with 90% and make a way for me to marry Lily.”
Not long after, I got a raise at work and even began receiving requests from others in my industry to do freelance work in my spare time! Before I started faithfully tithing, I had never been sought out to do freelance work. With the extra income I was making, I found myself having enough to pay my bills with the remaining 90% and add “Wedding” to my budget list. I bought my girlfriend an engagement ring, and after a 7-month engagement, we were married with the extra income God had arranged for me.
For years I thought I would be bound to making minimum payments for the remaining 30-year term of my loans. Within two years of getting married, God had blessed me with so many raises, bonuses, and freelance opportunities that we were able to pay off all the student and car loans and become completely debt-free! Praise God! In addition to faithfully tithing, we felt led to give to various organizations that spread the gospel, including those that support children’s Christ-centered education in Africa. My wife and I sponsor children who otherwise would not have the means to be educated, have daily meals, and receive medical coverage. I’m honored that my money is used as a source that might lead someone to hear the Gospel all the way across the world.
After experiencing the true joy that comes from faithfully tithing and blessing others with my income, how could I possibly go back? I don’t recognize the person I used to be: financially disorganized, greedy, unfaithful in tithing. My life has changed since committing to faithfully give God the first 10% of my income. My wife and I do our budget twice a month, and twice a month we are reminded that we are putting God first in our financial planning. Tithing allows me to show God through my actions that I truly trust Him to provide for me, my wife, and our son. Tithing continuously reminds me that I am not my own source. It breaks the cycle of greed and self-reliance in my heart. It turns my income into a seed that will lead others to the knowledge of Christ and ties my earnings to a kingdom purpose. Only good has come from giving; I’ve never regretted giving my tithes or offerings. And this journey has shown me that His word is true: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.