Tithing: Spiritual or Financial Principle?

Many would argue that tithing is a spiritual practice and has no place in business finances or even personal goals - especially those who don't understand or agree with the concept.

First let's clarify that a tithe is ten percent.

Wealth experts will tell you that giving in gratitude and with expectation to receive, is one of the quickest ways to increase your bank account. Rhonda Byrne author of The Secret, reveals that some of the worlds wealthiest people were also its greatest philanthropists who gave away millions of dollars to the less fortunate and needy and by doing so, they opened their lives to receive back from the universe.

Catherine Ponder, one of the early pioneers of prosperity teaching according to biblical principles states that when you give joyfully and expectantly, you open the doors to receive all the wealth God has for you.

According to many, tithing pertains to finances only but tithing is more than a biblical principle, sowing and reaping is evident in every area of your life and business.

Let's look at some ways other than money one can tithe or "give back" whether you're giving to God or, as some wealth teachers claim, "the universe."

Food: Farmers and ranchers can give food to the needy in their community by donating meat and vegetables to local food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, etc. They can measure their tithe in pounds or bushels.

Clothing: Manufacturers of clothing, material, shoes, etc can give items to local charitable organizations, churches, etc. Soles for Souls is one such organization - for every pair of shoes sold, they donate a pair to a needy person somewhere in the world.

Time: People don't realize how important giving of your time is or how doing so could be considered a tithe. We are all given twenty-four hours in a day. If you were to "tithe" your time that would be 2.4 hrs (2 hrs. and 20 minutes). How could you give your time? Volunteer to baby sit for a single mom or dad, visit a nursing home, rock unwanted or sick babies in a hospital. If you are Catholic, become a Eucharistic Minister (one who brings the Eucharist to house bound members of their church community). Take an elderly or disabled person shopping, to a movie or out to eat. Clean the home of a sick relative. Business owners can tithe their time by teaching or mentoring someone in their field or volunteering their services to those who can't afford to pay.

Although tithing IS a biblical principle, it is also a proven way of increasing your life and the lives of those to whom you give. There are numerous ways to tithe or give back so be creative and watch your circumstances improve as you reap what you sow.