T H E O P H I L U S

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Luke 21:1-4

As Christians, it’s not easy talking about tithing. But when we do, it prickles a bit because it leads us to be challenged in our faith, and revealing of the small and large idols we’ve tucked away somewhere in the deep of our hearts. Those idols are not merely physical items, but the things we accumulate are really just symbols of the things we value – and at times, the things we value more than God.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is a tale that reminds us of the power of symbols. At first glance, it may seem foolish that Gollum was so attached to a tiny ring. But the truth is that the wars between Sauron and Middle Earth were not merely about the size of the ring they were all after. The power that the ring contained and symbolized made it so coveted and dangerous. The ring was a symbol of domination, an object of immense power that could sway the world’s fate. We are reminded in this classic tale that symbols have the power to shape our thoughts, our actions, and our destiny – even if it is a ring or a token so seemingly small.

The story of the poor widow is a powerful reminder of the beauty of selflessness and gratitude. Despite her financial struggles, she gave generously, out of a sincere love for God. Her offering was an act of worship, a reflection of her unwavering faith and devotion. In contrast, the wealthy individuals who donated did so out of pride and the need for recognition. Their donations were not genuine or heartfelt. The widow’s story teaches us that true generosity comes from the heart and that giving selflessly is a form of worship that honours the Lord.

As a pastor, I’ve often heard people say they “volunteer” or “donate” their time or resources to the church. However, this mindset is not in line with true generosity. Instead, it’s rooted in a sense of obligation or pride. The time and resources we spend foremost are an act of worship. It’s important to remember that God doesn’t need our charity or contributions to exist or be glorified. What He wants from us is genuine love, worship and most importantly – relationship. Therefore, our contributions to the church should come from a place of deep devotion, worship, and love for God and His ministry rather than a desire to boost our sense of self or pride.

Tithing then isn’t just about how we use our money (though that is important too), it’s about recognizing how in times of scarcity and in times of abundance, that Christ is at the centre of our hearts. When we have the opportunity to be generous, let us give out of love rather than obligation. If you tithe because you feel it is a religious duty, consider giving more (and not necessarily to the church!) to challenge your motives and uncover any underlying attachments that are other than God alone. If your love for God surpasses your attachment to money, you will find peace in your decision. When we truly love God, our relationship with Him becomes our most treasured possession.