On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2

As He May Prosper – Let’s set the record straight.  The first and most important element of tithing is ownership.  So, all tithing is based on the fact that God lends His goodness to us for our use.  He owns it all.  This is the basis of God’s requirement that ten percent of the yield be set aside for His purposes.  And the overwhelming concern on God’s behalf is for the poor, the downtrodden, the widows, the orphans and the strangers among us.  Paul assumes these facts in his directions to the Corinthian assembly.  “On Saturday night, the first day of the week, set aside a tithe of your prosperity so that no extra collection for the poor in Jerusalem need be taken when I arrive.”

Pay close attention to Paul’s method of calculation.  “As he may prosper” is the translation of ho ti ean euodotai Literally, this phrase is about traveling a good way or experiencing a successful journey.  In other words, this is an idiom for having the good life.  It is about the gain above what is required to live.  It is not about the gross income.  This is important.  God doesn’t expect to exact a tithe from the necessities of your life.  He isn’t the taxman.  He cares that you take care of what you need to live.  Whatever is extra becomes the source of your return for His goodness.

Think about the exquisite practical impact of such a plan.  Would you derive a feeling of gratitude from a god who demanded that you give until it hurts?  Some churches, especially when the “building campaign” is in full swing, use this tactic – but not God.  He knows that if He were to demand a sacred “tax” on the resources you need in order to stay alive your “gift” would be given with resentment and anger.  He would rather not have it.  Gifts are a source of great blessing – for the one who receives and for the one who gives.  When we give from our good journey, we acknowledge with gratitude the goodness God has poured on us – beyond what is required for us to live.  Therefore, we can give joyfully and comfortably.

Of course, some are called to extraordinary generosity.  They realize that what they need is far less than what they have.  But the general principle does not demand such acts.  The general principle leaves us with the decision about what we really need.  And that, of course, is at the center of the true meaning of the tithe.  This is one of those amazing cases where God doesn’t demand.  He asks.  The state of our hearts is likely to be revealed in the way that we respond to His request.

It’s worth noting a few other implications in Paul’s suggestion.  First, this is a personal matter.  “Let each one of you.”  Every person decides the demarcation line between need and want.  Every person is responsible for recognizing God’s goodness and responding appropriately.  Husband and wife, families, parents and children are not represented as groups.  This is all about each one alone.

Secondly, we should notice that the setting for this suggestion fits the context of a Jewish synagogue with Gentile members.  After the Sabbath, it’s time to set aside some assets.  Those assets are designated for the poor (an implication from Torah).  They are collected by the rabbi (Paul) for distribution to others (not for the temple).  Without the Jewish background, this is nothing more than a relief effort.

So, how does this apply today?  Are we setting aside assets from the excess for assistance for the poor, or do we think we somehow fulfill that obligation by putting money into the mortgage of the church building?  Do each of us come to terms with the line between need and want, or do we just allow the percentage game to set the line?  Do we see that our excess is God’s goodness?  Do we honor Him with material acknowledgment?  Or did we think we traveled the good road on our own efforts?

Topical Index: tithe, excess, good road, 1 Corinthians 16:2