How many lessons on tithing and fast offering have we had over the years? Have we stopped listening, or just rehashed the same ideas? For so many years we have been reminded what tithing really is, so here is the real question: Are we just paying our tithing? Or are we repaying the Lord for his bounteous blessings?

The law of tithing allows us to pay the Lord back for all He has already given us. We are merely offering a small portion of His material wealth back. The law of tithing prepares us to live the higher law of consecration—to dedicate and give all our time, talents, and resources to the work of the Lord. The money from both tithing and fast offerings is used to better the Church, and it’s members, here on earth, so we can all work together to bring Heavenly Father’s children back home to him.

Elder Hales said, “Like the outward physical ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, the commandment to pay tithing requires temporal sacrifice, which ultimately yields great spiritual blessings.” (“Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov 2002)

And from the Lord: “I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know.” (D&C 76:5-8)

Paying tithing is a requirement for receiving a temple recommend. Think of that: it is necessary to obey this law in order to receive your own saving ordinances, as well as the saving ordinances of your ancestors. When asked if members could be baptized for the dead without having to pay their tithing, John Taylor said, “A man who has not paid his tithing is unfit to be baptized for his dead…If a man has not faith enough to attend to these little things, he has not faith enough to save himself and his friends.” (History of the Church, 7:292-93)

The Lord instructs the First Presidency to spend our tithing on new buildings and temples, as well as the maintenance of them. Missionary work; translations, and publications, of all our scriptures; the making of copies of records in order for us to redeem the dead; Institute and Seminary education, and anything else our leaders deem worthy to build up the kingdom on the earth. Each of us can participate in these blessings.

There are many ways to pay your tithing. People used to pay it “in kind”, which means other than cash, such as their best animal, product, service, etc. Some people choose to pay tithing once, twice, or quarterly during the year. Others will argue that paying for net is as good as paying for gross income. Still others will pay a tenth immediately from whatever lands in their pocket. Pres. Joseph F. Smith said, “Now, you are at liberty to do as you please in regard to this matter. You can choose whichever course you wish. But let me say to you that as we measure out, so will it be measured back unto us again. When we go to dickering with the Lord, probably He will dicker with us, and if He undertakes to do so, we shall get the worst of it.” (Conference Report, Apr 1899)

“Tithe paying is evidence that we accept the law of sacrifice. It also prepares us for the law of consecration and the other higher laws of the celestial kingdom. The payment of tithing is a test of priorities.” During the Great Depression, President Grant fervently spoke about paying an honest tithe to those who were living on nothing. He testified of members, who paid their tithing, supporting their families more effectively than those who did not. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing”, Ensign, May 1994)

What does this have to do with Relief Society work?

Many will say that this gospel is a gospel of attitude. When we pay our tithing, are we resistant, petty, or unsure when it comes to actually paying? These aren’t weak attitudes; these are wrong attitudes. In order to pay an HONEST tithing, we must have an attitude of faith. Our example will help our children carry on this commandment without a second thought.

Could Tithes and Offerings be given in something other than monetary form? What about our time and our talents, and with whatever the Lord has blessed us. All these are contributions we can, and should, make in the Kingdom of God, of which we are all a part. We are commanded to share only a tenth, or a portion. Of our Will, it is required to give 100%.