Is Not Tithing a Sin

“There is no sin which does not involve idolatry.” John and Paula Sandford

I see no reason to disagree with this statement, which appears to be a benign fact. They go on to address different sins, which are the breaking of commandments. I agree with the sin of theft and adultery, but then they go on to say that if we don’t go to church on Sunday we have made an idol of whatever we do instead. I agree that fellowship is powerful and necessary for a Christian’s health, but there is nothing magic about Sunday. They then go on to say if we do not pay tithing we are worshipping our money and sinning. I disagree with all Christians on this principle. Tithing is an Old Testament law and any Christian sermon concerning the principle is based on Old Testament scriptures. Pastors and churches feel compelled to enforce this legalism on their congregations to ensure adequate funds to build their empires of buildings, missions, etc. If a Christian is sinning for not following the law of tithing, then Christians have fallen short of all the laws concerning circumcision and the Sabbath observances. Just as Jesus fulfilled the laws, which were all shadows of his kingdom principles with a higher meaning, the tithing principle is to lead to a higher principle of generosity of more than money, but our life. If tithing was a New Testament rule I guarantee that Paul would have admonished new Christians to send him the money and used this to make them feel guilty if they didn’t.