TAXES, TITHES AND THE TARUMAH

by Pastor Audrey D.F. Smart

Psalm 105, verse 15 – “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm.” I have often quoted and firmly acknowledge this familiar passage of scripture in the context of my teaching and Christian faith. Throughout my professional career, I have admittedly had many internal wars grappling between the church world and the corporate world. I have always understood that everything must be weighted and measured. I have always used the scriptures as my primary tool for my core decisions and practice of faith, both professionally and spiritually.

The U.S. Government, through the system of the IRS, has made provision in the tax code to adhere to the scripture, “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm”. In 1917, the U.S. enacted the United States Charitable Contribution Tax Deduction. Many years before, the policy maker noticed that the wealthy were donating most of their profits to churches and charitable organizations. The government realized that if they touched or prevented voluntary giving of the wealthy, they would be cursed with a curse (Malachi 3:9). They were not so concerned about whether the wealthy would stop giving. They were, however, concerned that interfering in the giving plan by touching it via taxes would bring about the curse, meaning that the government would have to pay the price and assume the burden of responsibility of the poor and needy.

The tithes and the tarumah could not be touched. The anointed passage of money from the people to God through the church (tithes and offerings), nor the passage of the Tarumah to the prophet or the supervising priest could be touched by the government. Therefore, we know it as Charitable Contribution Deduction in the tax law. Giving must be voluntary, direct and untouched. When a person gives gifts to the supervising priest, it must be given in love, honor and admiration. It must go directly into the hand of the man or woman of God that will be the responsible covering of your life, business and family. When we hold God tithes and tarumah, we rob God and we cannot have the devourer rebuked and the product and service of our business will be destroyed.

John D. Rockefeller was the wealthiest American. His wealth of $1.4 billion was about 2% of the total value of all final goods and services produced in the U.S. Most of his giving was to the church in the form of tithes and offerings. He believed that his wealth and success was a result of his stewardship commitment to God and the work of the ministry. God gave it to him, so he gave it back to God.

King Solomon – one of the wealthiest men who lived said, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV) or “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 NKJV)?

Tithes is a corporate partnership commitment between God and Man. I wonder if we are missing the process in the body of Christ, while the secular world has not only understood and practiced the plan which has led to corporate wealth. Here is a secret… In the Jewish teaching in the Talmud there is a Hebrew statement “Aser bedevil Shetisasher, which is interpreted, “Tithe so that you will become rich”.

In August 2010, Bill Gates established The Giving Pledge. Forty of the wealthiest people in America joined together in a commitment to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic and charitable causes of the world. Bill Gates has donated approximately $35.8 billion, according to Forbes (25% of his net worth). There are now 210 pledgers.

Will you join the Giving Pledge? Will you honor the Lord with your possessions? Pastors, where are you paying your tithes? Who is your prophet or supervising priest.

Can you be trusted with what you are giving God? Better yet can you be trusted with what you are receiving from Him?