Is tithing a commandment? How much should we give? What is tithing used for?
Paul answered these questions in his letters to the Corinthians.
In 2 Cor 8, Paul asks the people to pay tithing. But he says, “I am not commanding you” (v.8)
The people “gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own” (v.3)
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” (v.12)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Cor 9:7)
So, tithing is not mandated. We pay what we are able, of our own accord. We are not expected to pay what we do not have. The Lord recognizes our willingness.
Now, what is that tithing used for? One of the things it is used for is to cover the temporal needs of the pastors and missionaries of the church.
1 Corinthians 9:7-14 is all about how laborers in any arena benefit from the income of that endeavor. “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (v.14)
“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” (v.11)
After the priests took 10% from the people and gave a tenth of that to the Lord, their instructions were “then you and your household may eat it anywhere. It is your wage in return for your work at the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 18:31)
The priests in the Old Testament temples were fed from the sacrifices.
“He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord.”
(2 Chronicles 31:4)
Jesus himself did not hold employment, but lived off the generosity of his hosts. He told his apostles to go out into that world with no purse or suitcase, providing not for their own needs, but receiving their temporal support from donations of those who supported them.
Why would today’s pastors and preachers be any different?
I, for one, have become immensely grateful for professional, full-time clergy. It’s beyond refreshing to have someone speak at length, in detail, each week, educating us on the Bible in an impactful, engaging way. We hardly ever got this at the LDS church.
And the pastors are professionally trained in counseling and leading their congregations. Most LDS bishops have no idea what they’re doing and find the personal conversations really awkward.
Additionally, they are not trained in the scriptures any more than the average member of the congregation. They are of little use when the members have doctrinal questions.
Over the years, these setbacks have been very discouraging to me in the LDS church. I am so happy to pay a well trained clergy who can actually make their full time job doing these things — and doing them well.
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Note: Jesus did say that he wants us to pay 10% (Matthew 23:23)—
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
All I Possess 