At what age should a person start tithing their money?
The question could also be asked in this fashion- “At what age should an individual be thankful to God for his/her blessings?” “At what age do we teach children about the financial obligations of ALL relationships?” The more I reflect upon tithing/sacrificial giving, the more I see it as a normal aspect of ALL relationships; and thus an essential part of our relationship with God.
People, who oppose tithing and true sacrificial giving, say all that time, “giving money to God is not a requirement or an obligation;” however, I would love them to say that to their spouse. “My money is mine and I have no obligation to give you any.” All human relationships have written or unwritten cultural or social exceptions about finances.
When a young man takes a young girl out to dinner it is expected that the young man will pay for the meal. It is expected that a young bride and her family will pay for the wedding and reception. It is the expectation of a married couple that their money is seen as “theirs.” It is the expectation of a child that their parents will support them in life, and it is the expectation of the elderly that their children will support them in their later years and in death.
All human relationships have financial expectations, norms and requirements. The same is true for our relationship with the Divine. We give to God because He has given so much to us (life, breath, family, food, shelter, work, health, salvation in Christ Jesus etc.). We sacrifice for Him because He sacrifices for us. Why there is an aversion to giving back to Him who gives us all is nothing but selfishness.
At what age do we teach this…hopefully from birth! Money is a part of all relationships- and people need to be taught how to use it wisely, and to give sacrificially to those who should be given too, with carefree love!
I find it odd that a parent, out of love, will put themselves in financial ruin to pay for the wedding of their daughter, but not sacrifice financially for God. Who is more important: Social expectations that say parents should pay for their daughters wedding or Sacred Scripture- God’s Living Word that states we should give 10% of our earnings to God. Whose laws do we abide by- society or the Bible?
As soon as a child earns a dollar they should be taught that 10 cents belongs to God. Why parents give allowances, I do not know, but in my mind it should be tithed. The child is being paid for being good, doing chores, etc. All high school students and college students should be tithing. Some will say, but father they need to be saving for college; my response is this- at what expense; denying God? For He says:
“Bring the whole tithe…test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” ~ Malachi 3:10
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. ~Deuteronomy 8:18
Test God in this, and see if He does not bless you!
Teach your youth to tithe! Get them envelopes!
Teach them to give as God desires.
God does not want their money, but their hearts.
To get to their heart, He often uses their money!