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TITHE

PROSPER

by L. E. MEYER

As You TitheSo You Prosper

A Series of Four Lessons

in Tithing

By

L. E. MEYER

Second Edition

Unity School of Christianity

Kansas City, Mo.

1942

Lesson One

Wha^ Is the Tithe?

Many professing Qiristians believethat tithing was an institution o£

, the Mosaic law, that it was intended for the ancient Hebrews butnot for people of the present age.These individuals object to tithing, sayingthat we are no longer under the law ofMoses but that through faith in JesusChrist we are under grace and truth. Theircontention is that we have no right toteach tithing now, as it belonged to theold dispensation and is not of the new.

It is true that under the law of Moses atenth part of all the increase of the flocks,of the land (fruit, grains), of all incomewas to be given into the Lord's treasury.Tithing however did not begin with theMosaic law. Long before Moses' day Mel-chizedek, king of Salem, blessed Abrahamsaying: "Blessed be Abram of God MostHigh, possessor of heaven and earth: and

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AS YOU TITHB SO YOU PROSPER

blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand." Inresponse to this blessing Abraham gave toMelchizedek tithes of all he possessed.

This has a special significance for usand opens new angles of thought concerning the subject of tithing. Abraham, a Jewexalted through grace by virtue of God'spromise to him that he should become thefather of many nations, gave tithes toMelchizedek, a Gentile king, Melchizedekoffers us a fitting type of Christ as king-priest. He had no recorded genealogy, nortime of birth, nor time of death, norfather, nor mother, nor children. He wasking ofSalem, which means "peace." Melchizedek means "king of righteousness."He was high priest not by human but bydivine authority. In the 7th chapter ofHebrews these things are set forth. Thefirst three verses read as follows: "Forthis Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest ofGod Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kingsand blessed him, to whom also Abrahamdivided a tenth part of all (being first, by


interpretation. King of righteousness, andthen also King of Salem, which is. Kingof peace; without father, without mother,without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but madelike unto the Son of God), abideth apriest continually." For a clearer understanding read the entire chapter and seehow Melchizedek was made "not after thelaw of a carnal commandment, but afterthe power of an endless life." The LordJesus Christ is indicated in the Scripturesas an abiding priest after the order ofMelchizedek.

"Thouart a priest for everAfter the order of Melchizedek."

The prophets spoke of the coming Messiah as the "sun of righteousness" and the"Prince of Peace."

As Melchizedek blessed Abraham soChrist blesses us. A right response to thatblessing is the giving of at least the titheof all we possess to the Lord and the establishment of the kingdom of Truth inthe earth as it is in heaven. Abraham'sact of tithing is symbolic of each individ-


ual's giving recognition to the source ofhis supply in God. God is the supplier andthe supply. In giving He is the impulseand the gift. In giving we share God,the good, with others, and thus we let ourlight shine and glorify God.

Tithing is older than Israel and antedates the law of Moses. Jacob, who wasthe grandson of Abraham, madea contractwith God after leaving his father's house,saying, "If God will be with me, and willkeep me in this way that I go, and willgive me bread to eat, and raiment to puton, so that I come again to my father'shouse in peace . . . then ... of ail thatthou shalt give me I will surely give thetenth unto thee." As Jacob continued inthe "way" he grew in spiritual integrityuntil the Lord changed his name to Israel."Thy name shall be called no more Jacob,but Israel: for thou hast striven with Godand with men, and hast prevailed."

It was the Children of Israel that Mosesled from the land of Egyptian bondage.To them he gave the command to give ofall they possessed to the Lord. They were


to offer unto the Lord the first fruits ofthe land, of animals, of all income. Thusthey were impressed with the fact thatwhat their father and great-great-grandfather had done in honoring the Lord witha portion of their goods was right in thesight of God, and they continued thisgood practice.

Throughout Old Testament history thetithe is mentioned as a reasonable andjust return to the Lord in acknowledgment of the good He has given. As longas these ancient people tithed they prospered in all things. "When they withheldtheir tithes and became stingy with theLord they became diseased and oppressedwith hardships upon every hand. Thisholds true today. When we fail to giveproper attention and devotion to thesource of our good we immediately closethe channels to our good. When we turnand acknowledge God as our resource wereopen the channels to good and placeabout ourselves a wall of protection. Mal-achi, who stands as the last of the prophets of tlie Old Testament age and on the


threshold of the New Testament age,makes the above truth dear: "From thedays of your fathers ye have turned asidefrom mine ordinances, and have not keptthem. Return unto me, and I will returnunto you, saith Jehovah of hosts. But yesay, N^erein shall we return ?Will a manrob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say,Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithesand offerings. Ye are cursed with thecurse; for ye rob me, even this wholenation. Bring ye the whole tithe into thestorehouse, that there may be food in myhouse, and prove me now herewith, saithJehovah of hosts, if I will not open youthe windows of heaven, and pour you outa blessing, that there shall not be roomenough to receive it. And I will rebuke thedevourer for your sakes, and he shall notdestroy the fruits of your ground; neithershall your vine cast its fruit before thetime in the field, saith Jehovah of hosts.And all nations shall call you happy; forye shall be a delightsome land, saith Jehovah of hosts." This promise can be extended indefinitely, "^atever our busi-


ness, profession, or calling, it is incumbent upon us to return to our Father'swork at least a tenth of all increase, sothat we may enjoy greater blessings anddivine protection.

The tithe is a true method of givingestablished centuries ago and practicedsince by spiritual-minded people. Tithinghas not been improved upon as a methodof giving, nor can it be except by increasing the proportion given or by giving allto follow in the steps of Christ. Today, asin days past, we have freedom in giving.We can give or not as we choose. We canfulfill the law and reap the reward, or wecan withhold more than is meet and takethe consequences. Giving is a part of spiritual worship. This fact has been recognized through the ages. Even heathen people recognize this, for we find them coming with offerings to worship before theiridols. Now more than ever before there isrequired the giving of oneself, with allthat one is or has, for understanding hasincreased.

Right giving loosens the burdens of the9


personal life, unifies us with the universal,and opens within and without an inflowand outflow of God's bounty."Honor Jehovah with thy substance,And with the first-fruits of all thine in

crease:

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,And thy vats shall overflow with new

wine."

The Hebrews were required to give atenth in kind of all the produce of theland. To quicken the law of prosperityand keep it working we must return atleast a tenth of our income, and we mustnot wait to give our tithe until we havesatisfied all personal desires and paid ourdebts to man. Those who meet their material obligations first, intending later togive to the Lord, invariably find that thereis little or nothing left to give. If wewould know and realize God's presenceand substance we must put Him first.Jesus taught this divine order when Hesaid: "Seek ye first his kingdom, and hisrighteousness; and all these things shallbe added unto you." Tithing is one of

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the practical ways of obeying this command. The rewards of comfort, happiness, satisfaction, and well-being wUl beadded in overflowing measure.

The exact proportion that we shouldgive is not stated in the New Testament.However giving gladly and freely istaught all through it. Jesus said: "Give,and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, shaken together, andrunntag over, shall they give into yourbosom. For with what measure ye mete itshall be measured to you again." "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, thathe himself said. It is more blessed to givethan to receive." Jesus commended thewidow who cast her last mite in the treasury He knew that in giving freely to theLord she would not be made poorer butricher through her giving.

Jesus recognized the law of tithing andcommended it. However He laid emphasisupon the inner phase: "Woe unto you.scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for yetithe mint and anise and cummin, and haveleft undone the weightier matters of the

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law, justice, and mercy, and faith: butthese ye ought to have done, and not tohave left the other undone." There wasno rebuke because of the tithe, but becausethe spirit was omitted. A tithe without theheart is mockery—^with love it is a spiritual worship and service. The inner substance of the mind and heart should bededicated to the Lord as well as the outerincome. If the inner is kept, the outer willcome easily. If our faith is too weak toattempt the outer, as we keep the innerthe outer will come easily in due season.The inner is the first essential.

"But this I say. He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and hethat soweth bountifully shall reap alsobountifully. Let each man do according ashe hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth acheerful giver." It is necessary that welearn to give gladly and freely, with faith,joy, and love. To realize our all-sufficiencyin all things we must move in accord withthe law of our being: "Thou shalt lovethe Lord thy God with all thy heart, and

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with all thy soul, and with all thystrength, and with all thy mind; and thyneighbor as thyself." We must honor thesecommands from within outward.

The basis of tithing is recognition ofGod's ownership and man's stewardship.To understand this truth and to act uponit brings abundant reward. The chief reward is increased spirituality, manifes^gitself in the blessings ofheart, soul, mind,and strength that come through consciousunity with God.

In tithing we direct our income into enduring investments that are of the utmostvalue both materially and spiritually. Tithing is based upon the innate spirit ofequity that prompts us to be as squarewith God as we are with our fellow men.We must be in harmony with God beforewe can be in harmony with ourselves orothers.

Tithing concerns one of the inmostmysteries of life, the process by which lifeis given expression, sustained, and unfolded. by which life is restored whenencroached upon by disease, and by which

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AS YOU TITHE SO YOU PROSPER

it is uplifted to overcome sickness, sin,and death. This can be explained in thinking of tithing as a matter of rhythm andproportion in nine to one ratio. Throughout all nature there is harmony expressed.The stars move in measured cadence.Each kind of bird has its peculiar wingbeat, every note of music, every tone ofvoice has its definite rhythm. The pansyalways has five petals; the wax cell ofthe honeycomb does not vary. Snowflakesin their infinite variety maintain their six-point pattern. The law of prosperity isalso governed by order and harmony. Byputtingourselves in harmony with the lawof prosperity we insure our income andestablish a definite contact with divinesubstance and supply. Tithing is insurance of income.

In the performance of a task we mayestablish harmony by using the first tenthof the alloted time in prayer and meditation. The still small voice will reveal theeasiest, most harmonious, and most efii-cient method of procedure. We shall findthat what formerly requiredmore than the

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time we had to give can now be accomplished in less than the nine tenths of thetime remaining after tithing. Working inharmony with our Indwelling life, tithingoperates without interference to renew thebody, call forth new and increased powers,and add spiritual illumination. We makethings at least ten times easier when wehonor the Lord with our tithe.

Paul recommended, "Upon the first dayof the week let each one ofyou lay by himin store, as he may prosper. Let each oneestablish the Lord's treasury to be usedfor the upkeep of the kingdom and Aesupport of those engaged in spiritual ministry^, If we include our time in our tithe,we shall find that several hours a weekof devotion and service to the Lord arerequired. Some may say: 'This is morethin I can give." If we have proper fai^and love, we shall find time for the Lord.Those in spiritual offices can devote moretime to spiritual ministry than those msecular positions. However where one maydevote more time another may be able togive more freely in material gifts. We

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need not think however that we can buyour way into the kingdom o£ God or obtain heavenly treasures without devotingthe coin of our hearts to God. Each onemust find his own instruction and makepeace with his Lord as the Spirit of truthdirects. If our knowledge of Truth is practical we shall find a way of showing ourappreciation in adequate ways. Personalselfishness must not rob us of the ChristTruth and its benefits. James says, "But hethat looketh into the perfect law, the lawof liberty, and so continued^, being nota hearer that forgetteth but a doer thatworketh, this man shall be blessed in hisdoing." If we have no money we can givewhat we have: our blessings, our loving,generous thoughts, and words and service.The way will open for giving and receiving in increasingly larger and more manifest measure. But certainly we must startby giving."Blessed is the man . . .His delight is in the law of Jehovah;And on his law doth he meditate day

and night.16


And he shall be like a treeplanted by thestreams of water,

Thatbringeth forth its fruit in its season,Whose leaf also doth not wither;And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."Tithing is a simple way to begin to

grow in the grace of giving. He who practices tithing will have more to give thanhe thought possible before. Tithing showsour willingness to work with the law ofprosperity and to return to the Giver atleast apart of that which He has given tous. It is a practical way of seeking firsthis kingdom, and his righteousness.Through tithing a vacuum is created thatby the inevitable law of action and reaction must be instantly filled again to overflowing. In tithing we substitute faith inGod's supply for fear that we shall cometo want. In tithing we loosen the hold offear and with it many things that havebound us. Wefind a freer soul, mind, andbody; a joyous and abounding health.Regular and systematic titliing calls consistent attention to God as the source ofour supply and the Giver of all our good.

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Tithing clears away that which is apt toobstruct the free flow of God's greaterblessings. It is an investment made withGod's unlimited bounty as security. Tithing is a sort of new financial birth. It is alaw of financial liberty. A faithful tithepayer is honest, and he owns his ownproperty; it does not own him. Tithing isa system of developing generosity untouched by vanity. "Tithing is a reliableguarantee against the "greeds." It is anincome tax, divinely assessed and paid asa freewill love offering. Tithing buildsup individual acquaintance with God. Itbrings comradeship with the divine, whichfosters financial faith and a feeling ofsecurity. True tithingis a prayer of thanksgiving. It is a means of acknowledgingGod's good. It is our part in the fulfillment of the law of prosperity. In tithingwe sow seeds of prosperity, and the harvest is certain.

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Lesson Two

How to Use the Tithe

T IS IMPRACTICAL to advise peoplespecifically concerning tithing. Thetither must learn to rely on his own

indwelling Spirit of truth for gmd-ance. We can however without hesitationcounsel every one to carry on justly, honestly, and fearlessly under the guidance ofthe Holy Spirit. All we have belongs tothe Lord, but a tenth is required for theestablishment of His kingdom in theearth. A tenth is little enough to devoteto the furtherance ofTruth. It is estimatedthat there are around forty million churchmembers in the United States We c^well imagine the amount of their titheand the impetus it would give to the i^-istry of Truth if itwere faithfully paid.

The tithe is not a personal matter or amatter of giving personal gifts. It is lay-ing aside regularly and faithfully onetenth of one's income and using it imper-

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AS VOU TITHE SO YOU PROSPER

sonally for the support of God's work.The tithe should not be used for self,relatives, friends, or charitable purposes,unless the tither is very definitely instructed by the indwelling Spirit to use itthus. The remaining nine tenths will takecare of these obligations. Sufficient faithwill meet the need. Our first obligation isto God, and our debt to man will be adjusted if we honor first things first. TheLord and His work must come before ourfamily and friends. Often when supporting the members of our family or helpingour friends, doors are shut upon their supply that would open if they were compelled to depend wholly upon God. It isalways right and expedient however thatwe give toothers our highest thoughts andspeak for them the freeing word of Truth.Infinite justice and Truth will bring order,peace, and abundant supply of good to allwho trust in Jesus Christ.

While giving to those in need is an actof charity and love and must be donejudiciously, it is not tithing. The titheshould go directly to the Lord's work and

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those engaged in it. Jesus sent forth Hisdisciples with the instruction "take nothing for your journey, neither staff, norwallet, norbread, normoney; neither havetwo coats." He taught them to preach thegospel, heal the sick, and depend uponthe love of those to whom they ministeredfor support. "Even so did the Lord ordainthat they that proclaim the gospel shouldlive of the gospel." Although Paul indorsed this procedure he did not alwayslive by it. He plied a trade while with theCorinthians and he gives his reason forso doing in the same chapter as quotedabove. His conclusion was that the morehe did for people, taking nothing fromthem, the less they appreciated him andhis teaching. Giving to people as if theywere poor or needy binds them in poverty.We tithe not to poverty and lack but tothe glory and wealth of God in Christ.

Tithing is a practical way of seekingfirst "the kingdom of God." Our remembering that all things come from the Lordand tithing to His glory brings to an endour troubles, and reveals that prosperity,

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health, peace, happiness, and the kingdom are at hand. The prosperity of anynation, organization, or individual thattakes up the practice of tithing is on afirm foundation.

There is a responsibility in tithing tomake such inner and outer inquiries aswill lead to the right use of the tithe. Themore careful we are in giving directly tothe Lord s work the more secure is ourcontact with God and His benefits. Howshall we decide which of the many denominations, cults, societies, individuals aretrue? There is one guide. True ministerspreach and practice the teachings of JesusChrist. "These signs shall accompany themthat believe: in my name shall they castout demons; they shall speak with newtongues; they shall take up serpents, andif they drink any deadly thing, it shall inno wise hurt them; they shall lay handson the sick, and they shall recover." Butof what value is a sign unless we can readand interpret it correctly? "When it isevening, ye say, It will be fair weather:for the heaven is red. And in the morning,

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7/ will be foul weather to-day: for theheaven is red and lowering. Ye know howto discern the face of the heaven; but yecannot discern the signs of the times?"Again Jesus said: "Therefore by theirfruits ye shall know them." What are thefruits of the Spirit ? Paul enumerates someof them: "The fruit of the Spirit is love,joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control;againstsuch there is no law."

The answer to the question to which ofthe many individuals or institutions weshall tithe may be stated thus: Tithe tothose who are bringing forth the fruit ofthe Spirit or showing forth signs of theLord. To discern the signs and know thefruits we must be in the Spirit. Let usseek the counsel and guidance of theSpirit. Before we give let us investigate.Give under the instruction of the Spirit inthe use of that which God has first given.When receiving let us say: "A tenth ofthis goes to God and He knows exactlywhat He wants to do with it" Often theanswer comes immediately. If not, we

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AS you TITHE SO YOU PROSPER

may lay it in His treasury and soon weshall see the right place to use it.

Tithing is practical and matter-of-factbut nevertheless spiritual and scientific.As we said in lesson one, it is based upona definite law of harmony and rhythm. Itmust be managed correctly to maintainits harmony in expression and reaction.The practice of giving for purely spiritualpurposes, where no self-interest enters in,brings us into direct contact with spirituallife, substance, and intelligence. Dailyconsecration to the service of God openschannels to His good within and without.Through individual consciousness aloneare we related to the law of supply. Thislaw works from within outward, hencewemust establish inner unity with the law ifit is to work spontaneously.

The innate life that sustains bodilyhealth and vigor, rebuilds worn-out cells,removes waste matter, cleanses the bloodstream and energizes the nerves is a creative, spiritual principle. It is God's giftto man designed to do His bidding. Sometimes it seems unspiritual because of ma-

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terial thought and misuse. It unerringlyrenews all phases of being, calling forthnew energies, new powers, new illumination if allowed to function without interference. This innate life substance is likethe tithe when not interfered with bywrong interpretation and misuse. It islifted up and becomes a light to illumineand guide us in the right and happy way.The parable of the prodigal son showshow substance can be wasted in riotousliving, also how we may return to theFather's house, the Father-Mind, and theright use of His gifts. "And I, if I belifted up from the earth, will draw allmen unto myself." Those who are honoring God with a tithe of their substanceand the first fruits of their increase are alight that shines out of darkness.

The secret of abundant supply lies inhonoring the Lord with the tithe of theinner substance of feeling and thoughtthat always work themselves outwardlyinto expression and have their outer counterpart. If we seem hampered as regardspayment of the tithe in the outer by the

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attitude of husband, wife, or some othermember of the household or some friend,we can be true to the inner tithe and titheoutwardly of those things which come directly into our hands and under our supervision.

The first commandment in tithing, asin living, is to know the inner true Christand be wholly devoted to Him; thensecondly to express that knowledge outwardly by being true to the Christ inothers, by bringing diem to the light.When we have been still inwardly longenough to know that we have receivedand have to give, then we can and willgive. Our work, our duties, our experiences, our relations to others are instruments or exercises through which we growin die knowledge of God and His Christin us. The so-called material and the spiritual are not widely separated or at variance. Many people are awakening to thisand realizing their relation to the lifeprinciple in themselves and in all things.

Near Arlington, Georgia, the bollweevil was destroying the cotton crops. A

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local pastor suggested that the farmersdedicate a portion of their land to theLord. Seven of the farmers agreed to this:although nothing else was done to protect these dedicated tracts, the boll weevilmade no attack upon them and the cottonwasof a better fiber than on adjoining sections. The experiment was so successfulthat other farmers took it up.

A successful hotel manager was giventhe suggestion that her business would bemore prosperous if she put a bar in herhotel. She said she could not ask God toprosper her business and then bring dishonor on it herself. She was prosperousbecause she tried to do those things whichwere pleasing to God and of real serviceto her guests. At times she grew so busythat she neglected her tithes, and suddenlyshe would find her business droppingaway. The guests would neglect to paytheir bills on time, and her rooms wouldbe fast emptying. When she rememberedto gather her tithes together and withgratitude send them into the service ofthe Lord, prosperity returned.

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The tithe is like the seed of a farmerfor his coming crops. He specially selectsarid protects it. When we release the tithewillingly and freely, as we have purposedin Our heart, we are sowing as the farmersows: his best seed unreservedly on goodsoil that he may receive an abundant,good harvest. WTien we tithe we knowthat we are not being made poorer butricher in giving. Our tithe-seed must besown in the Lord. It may represent a ten-,a hunted", or a thousandfold increase,according to the attention we give it.Seeds that produce the greatest increaseare carefully selected and as perfect as canbe obtained, and so should our tithe be.

Through prayer and blessing we givespecial attention to the tithe and send itforth to increase, multiply, and bless. Bywords of Truth we free our symbols fromall the limitations placed upon them byuntrained minds. It is well to think of thetithe as a messenger sent from God to freeall people who are in bondage to limitation. We can think of it as going to supplythe demands of all the needy. Like agreat

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I II jnl


stream of water it meets the needs ofcountless thousands. We can tell the tithejust what it is to do; give it to understandthat it is God's servant. We can direct itto go and serve Him; make it clear thatit no longer belongs to us but to God, ouromnipresent silent partner.

Our responsibility in partnership withGod is to give our heart in love. We maytithe of our wealth without measure, butit is the gift of our love that truly blesses.Our wealth but returns to the Giver Hisown, but our love is the gift of our freewill returning to do the will of God. Itis not so much the giving of the tithe asthe attitude in which it is given thatblesses both the giver and the receivter.Tithing simply to free our mind of thisobligation means little. Such tithing yieldsindifFerent results. As planting of seedwithout the attention of cultivation bringssmall increase, so does tithing from asense of obligation without the impetusof love.

Tithing is an exercise to use the giftsof God in such a manner that they will

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bear fruit. We can prove that the givingof the tithe brings a greater increase thanthe personal use of any money that passesthrough our hands. What would we thinkof a farmer who expected a harvest without first planting the seed? Yet many people apparently expect God's blessingswithout giving Him their heart. Tithing isa practical way of planting the seed thatyields a certain increase.There is that scattereth, and increaseth

yet more;And there is that withholdeth more than

is meet, but it tendeth only to want.The liberal soul shall be made fat;And he that watereth shall be watered

also himself."Our tithe-seed should be watered by

faith and love. Give freely, lovingly, andgladly. Good will, like good soil, rain, andsunshine, is essential to bring forth theincrease. An essential in tithing is willingness to give. Nature yields her increase tothe cheerful giver.

If the justice of tithing appeals to aperson and he is still reluctant to give,

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then a little discipline to charge the mindwith the value of integrity is good. Although there is freedom in giving theattitude and amount govern the results.Gifts should be made because one loves togive and not for the reward, neverthelessone should know that the reward is certain. There must be no withholding because of the size of the offering. Thewidow of Elijah's time gave her lasthandful of meal and found an increaseof plenty for herself and son (I Kings17:8-16). Jesus said the widow who gaveher two mites gave more than all theothers. He commended her giving becauseHe knew she was setting into operation anunfailing law of increase (Luke 21:1-4).

A widow attending a lecture on thewidow's mite was moved to give her lastdollar. On leaving the meeting place shewas amazed to have a perfect strangerpress into her hand a five dollar bill sayingshe felt led to give it.

The belief in lack must be denied. Faithin God's ever-present substance must beaffirmed. God's presence fills the heavens

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and the earth. He is the presence of substance. Where He is there is substance,and He is at all times in all places, allabout us as the air we breathe. It is wellfor us to breathe into our mind the consciousness of this all-sustaining presence.

Let us tithe in gratitude for all theblessings He has sent into our life. Thereis no limit to the amount of love and joywe can send with our tithe.

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Lesson Three

Tithing to Increase Prosperity

does

•^HE STORY of tithing both ancientand modern declares it to be thebest investment we can make. It

more good than the most generous giving that is done only on the impulse of the moment. Since we cannottithe without considering the source ofour blessings, tithing is a constant reminder of the Giver of all good. Theknowledge that we have received else wecould not give inspires in us a sense ofgratitude and appreciation. It increasesour consciousness of the Father's abiding,indwelling presence.

Tithing establishes systematic giving,hence order. It increases efficiency and consequently prosperity. Receiving throughgiving is the peculiar paradox of tithing.A Truth teacher who proved this ideamany times was asked if he had an "innerclass" to whom he gave instruction pri-

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vately in great truths not generally givenout. He replied that it was his practice togive forth freely the ideas that he received in order to help others and thusreceive again himself. Constant givingkeeps the mind open and free and receptive to new inspiration. While an occasional gift to the Lord's work, large orsmall, is to be commended, if too muchtime is allowed to elapse between giftsthe mind is not kept open and free.

Failure to express ideas closes the doorthrough which new ideas may enter. Withholding money acts in like manner. Ittends to bind and limit. Either case maybe compared to the attempt to hold thebreath drawn into the lungs. We mustexhale to receive more. The breath soonbecomes a poison instead of a blessing.Just as it is necessary to breathe out inorder to receive fresh air into the lungs,so it is necessary to give regularly if wewish to receive regularly. No graspingspirit can fasten itself upon a mind that iskept open through regular giving and receiving. We have seen souls shrivel be-

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cause they were grasping and selfish, andwe have seen souls expand and abound inevery good because they were liberal withthe Lord.

Throughout the Scriptures reference ismade to the law of receiving throughtithing."There is that scattereth, and increaseth

yet more;And there is that withholdeth more than

is meet, but it tendeth only to want.The liberal soul shall be made fat;And he that wateredi shall be watered

also himself.""He that hath a bountiful eye shall be

blessed

For he giveth of his bread to the poor.""He that sowedi bountifully shall reap

also bountifully."Jesus emphasized the benefits to be re

ceived from giving in the right spirit."Give, and it shall be given unto you;good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give intoyour bosom. For with what measure yemete it shall be measured to you again."

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"Unto every one that hath shall be given,and he shall have abundance: but fromhim that hath not, even that which hehath shall be taken away." Those whoused their talents were commended. Theone who hid his talent and refused to useit had it taken from him. We often hearquoted "Whatsoever a man soweth, thatshall he also reap," but we need to be reminded also that if we do not sow we donot reap. While gifts to the Lord's treasure should be made out of the fullness ofthe heart and not for the sake of the returns, the law inevitably operates in fullforce. In giving we create a vacuum thatby the law of action and reaction must berefilled to the point of overflowing. Inloosening the purse strings we loose manyother things that have bound us; ourwhole being is freer.

We may ask any tither what his experience is, and we shall learn that he hasprospered. Where there has been failurethere is invariably a belief in lack. Whilethe tithe has been released from thehand it has been retained in mind. One

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must study the law of tithing to discerna right spirit in giving. There is no giftwhere one continually thinks of some wayin which the money might have been usedto personal advantage. The faith is not thenrightly centered. It is good to bless everyincoming dollar and realize that a tenthmust go to the Lord. It is good to consecrate ourselves and our affairs to God andto trust Him to direct and prosper us.Since there is a providing law by means ofwhich our every need is fully supplied it isessential that we have an understanding ofthis law and work in harmony with it.

Each individual must trust the Spirit ofwisdom in his own heart to see how muchof that which God has given shall be returned to Him and His work. If throughthe ages man has considered a tenth aproper amount to return directly to theLord's work, certainly in this present dayof grace and Truth no less an amount isfitting. It is right that each one come toan understanding of what constitutes spiritual giving in his ownway.

Since we are viewing the law of giving37


and receiving from the angle of tithing,let us consider a few experiences bothancient and modern among tithers. TheScriptures reveal that while the ancientHebrews tithed of their increase to theLord they prospered. But when they wandered away from the Lord in the matterof tithes hardships came upon tliem. Sotoday unhappy conditions overtake thosewho withhold their substance from theLord. Observation of any person, city, ornation reveals that those who are stingywith the Lord fail in mind, body, andaffairs, while those who are liberal withGod prosper and abound in health andpeace.

The prophet Malachi stood at the exitof the old dispensation and on thethreshold of the new. He provided aclear channel for the voice of wisdom todeclare the law of prosperity: "Returnunto me, and I will return unto you," saysthe Lord of prosperity. "Wherein shall wereturn?" ask those who seek escape fromuntoward conditions. "In tithes and oifer-ings. . . . Bring ye the whole tithe into

38


the store-house, that there may be foodin my house, and prove me now herewith,saith Jehovah of hosts, if I will not openyou the windows of heaven, and pour youout a blessing, that there shall not beroom enough to receive it. And I willrebuke the devourer for your sakes, andhe shall not destroy the fruits of yourground ... all nations shall call youhappy; for ye shall be a delightsomeland." Here is a solution of the farmer'stroubles. It is a law of prosperity for allclasses. Here is a protection for the cropsfrom frosts, droughts, floods, and plagues.It is a law that holds good in any business or line of human endeavor. Godshould not be expected to meet all ofmen's requirements unless men fulfill Hislaw.

Tithing aided the Mormons when theyfirst settled in Utah to withstand therigors of unusual climatic conditions, unproductive soil, and many otherhardships.It gave them a spirit of independence.Through tithing they became a law ofprosperity unto themselves. It is said that

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the Mormon Church is the most prosperous church in the world. A rule that applies to every member of the MormonChurch, rich or poor, is that he give atenth. As a result this church has an enormous reserve fund.

The United Presbyterian Church in theUnited States is the largest per capitagiver of all tlie churches in America. Overfifty per cent of the members are tithers.

It is said that the Christian who beginstithing will have at least six surprises. Hewill be surprised at die amount of moneyhe has for the Lord'swork; at the deepening of his spiritual life; at the ease withwhich he can meet his own obligations;at the ease with which he can go from onetenth to larger giving; at the preparationthis gives for being a faithful and wisesteward of the nine tenths remaining; athimself for not adopting the plan sooner.

He who said that he found it necessaryto tithe in order to get out of debt voiceda truth that has become evident to thousands. A man who was ten thousand dollars in debt, with his credit gone and a

40


wife and four children for whom to provide, took a position as a day laborer ina mill and with his family was compelledto live in a tent. He met two divinitystudents who convinced him that heshould tithe. The same week that he began tithing the company offered him oneof its houses in which to live. Within ayear he was promoted to foreman. Tenyears later he was free from debt, theowner of a large lumber company, ownerof his own home, which was large andbeautifully furnished, and of a large car,also an airplane, and other things on asimilar scale. He attributes his success tofirst recognizing his debt to God and faithfully tithing of his income.

Tithing establishes order in our mindand body and affairs. "When order existswe cannot remain in debt. He who beginsto tithe while in debt invariably reportslater that he is free from debt.

A pastor of a church that was deeplyin debt and unable to pay his salary suggested tithing. His membership voted itdown by a large majority, but the minister

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was not to be discouraged. He soughtfurther illumination on the subject andagain brought it before the congregation,suggesting that they try it for a month.At the end of the month those who hadentered into the agreement heartily wereprospering abundantly. Even the minoritywho had tithed grudgingly admitted thatthey had held their own. The membersagreed to continue tithing for another sixmonths. At the end of this period thechurch was free from indebtedness, andthere was a good balance in the treasury.

A person who has tithed since earlyyouth declares that when a man is in financial difficulties the best way to get outof them is to give to the Lord a tenth ofevery dollar, thus being honest with Him.The more we realize that we are childrenof the one Father and that the good ofone is the good of all, the more freelywill we give our support to the cause ofTruth. As sons we are to continue in thework of our Father whose pleasure it is togive continually of Himself and of all thatHe is to His creation. 'Tear not, little

42


flock; for it is your Father's good pleasureto give you the kingdom." "My Fatherworketh even until now, and I work."

Some who feel that their income is limited take the attitude that they cannotafford to tithe. The fact is that they cannot afford not to tithe. Because they seemto lack shows that they are bound by smallthoughts. They need to cultivate largeideas of increase and abundance. The inexhaustible resources of God are equal toevery demand that is made upon themwithout making one person poorer inorder to enrich another.

We can prove to our own satisfactionthat our tithe brings a greater increasethan any odier property that passesthrough our hands. Many testimonials canbe given of spiritual and temporal blessings through tithing. A few of these willbe related; all are authentic cases thathave been reported before in the publications of Unity, or have come to my personal attention.

A woman was deserted by her husbandand left with four children to support.

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She pledged a tenth to the Lord. Out ofher first weekly salary of eight dollars shetithed. She continued tithing, and her salary continued to increase. At the end ofthe first year her monthly salary checkwas $250, nearly eight times as much asthe first salary.

A contractor tithed faithfully, was always busy, and frequently needed to hireextra men. Across the street was anothercontractor who did equally good work butdid not believe in tithing. He could notget enough work to keep him busy, infact he often hired himself out to his competitor across the street. Apparently theonly difference between the men was tlieirfinancial relationship to God.

The founder of a large perfume andsoap company began to tithe when he waspoor. With increased wealth came a feeling of increased responsibility in its rightuse. His biographer says: "His benevolence was a religious conviction. It reducedhis charities to system and made them themeans of self-culture and of homage toGod. He dispensed his gifts both with

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purpose and proportion and recognizinghis stewardship to God."

One man tithed regularly while histithe was only ten dollars a month. Heprospered until it grew to a hundred, andthis seemed too much to tithe, so hestopped titliing. Disaster followed untilhe was brought to poverty and humility.He again began to tithe and regained hisfinancial footing with a spiritual uplift.

A woman moving from the North tothe South wished to sell some furniture.The person who agreed to take it brokeher agreement two days before she was tomove. Instead of being anxious, or discouraged or letting thoughts of injusticecome in she looked to God for guidanceand blessing. Soon the furniture was soldfor a tenth more than the price in thebroken agreement, the amount she intended to give as her tithe.

One gave her testimony in poetry:"My debts were large, my earnings small,But I said I will prove Thee, Lord of all;I will give my tenth, nor doubt, nor fear.This I did for the space of a year.

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My earnings have doubled, my debts arepaid;

The Silent Partner has come to my aid,And life that once seemed hard and dull,Through giving has grown all-beautiful."Tithing spells success. Tithers are never

seeking aid—they are always giving it.God's riches wait upon the faithful tither.Tithing pays dividends beyond all computation. The Lord prospers those who arehonest with Him. Many people are holding themselves in financial bondage because they do not loosen up. Tithing isthe remedy. To tithe is to let go, to let gois to open up, to open up is to receive. Bythe act of tithing to the Lord we expressconfidence in His bounty. A tither is adispenser of God's bounty. The law oftithing is the law of revenue to carry onthe purpose of the Lord. The life of thetither is one long series of satisfactions,because he works with the law of the Lord."His delight is in the law of Jehovah;And on his law doth he meditate day and

night . . .Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

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Lesson Four

Qtiestions about Tithing

OUR ANSWERS to questions on tithing are intended to be in the nature of helps and suggestions

rather than hard and fast rules. It isnot practical to advise a person whathe should do in a specific case. Each tithermust depend finally upon the leading ofhis own indwelling Spirit. If he will takeeach question to God in prayer fully resolving in his heart to follow God's leading hewill bedirected aright.

It is not wise to insist that another takeup tithing. We may explain the advantages and the principle underlying it andleave him free to do as he feels led.Every one must be fully persuaded in hisown heart and mind as to what he shoulddo, then give freely, not grudgingly or ofnecessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Let us consider some questions abouttithing: "Shall I tithe while I owe a great

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deal of money, or shall I wait until alldebts are paid and then tithe?""Thou shalt have no other gods before

me." Our obligation to God is first Wemust first fulfill this; then our relationswith our fellow men will be speedily adjusted. If we keep God's tenth from Himhow can we expect to be blessed and keptfree from debt to others? Tithing establishes order which will not permit us toremain long in debt. All conditions thatare not of God will be eliminated. "Everyplant which my heavenly Father plantednot, shall be rooted up."

One person says: "I feel I should tithe,but my expenses are so heavy that I canhardly live on my present income. ShallI tithe now or wait until I am earningmore money?"

If one feels led to tithe one should doit. Those who wait until they are out ofdebt or are earning more seldom begin.Waiting until one can afford to tithe islike trying to find time for God and forthe study of Truth. One who waits untileverything else is done never finds time

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left for God. In honest spiritual seekingthere comes a time when one feels onemust take time for God. So it is withtithing. If there is an urge upon one totithe, then that is the time to begin. Theright way to begin is definitely to makeup the mind to tithe and then begin todo it."We earn a great deal of money but not

enough to live as we wish and pay ourdebts besides. Should we tithe and economize in order to pay our debts or go ontrusting God to straighten out our affairs?"

A living faith in God is necessary. Godlives in and expresses Himself through us.We should always live within God andwithin our means, and cease contractingdebts and living outside ourselves and beyond our income. We should honor Godwith our tithe and apply ourselves all wecan to the payment ofour obligations. Wehave no just reason to expect God tostraighten out our affairs unless we arehonest with Him and work with Him.Let us learn to live simply and practice

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perfect honor toward God first and thentoward our fellow men.

"My husband has failed in business, andis ill. We have no income, are deeply indebt, and living on borrowed money.Should we tithe?"

To tithe borrowed money would be amisappropriation of funds. Borrowedmoney should be used for the purpose forwhich it was borrowed. What we receiveas our own money or gifts should betithed. If a man borrows money he shouldin justice have enough faith and understanding to bring forth substance to meethis daily needs. If he does not haveenough faith and understanding to bringforth substance to meet his daily needs,then how does he expect to do it in thefuture and pay back that which he hasborrowed ? Now is the time to trust Godand wait upon Him for guidance andfollow it. Where there is active faith andtrust in God there will be abundant provision. If we would realize greater supply,let us pray for wisdom, understanding,capacity, and efficiency so that we may be

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able to render good, honest service andgive value for all we desire to receive, andso that we may know how to make thebest of what we get. The husband will behealed as he overcomes the sense of fear

and limitation, which are caused by lackof trust in God indwelling in him, andfailure to follow His Truth."My mother is a widow and has a small

income. I use my tithe to pay her coal bill.I have given to others in need, and I donot see why I should not use it for mymother. Am I using the tithe aright?"

When one is using the tithe aright thereis no question in one's mind. The tenthshould go for spiritual work; for thefurtherance of the kingdom of God in theearth. The tithe is not rightly used forself, relatives, friends, or charitable purposes unless the tither is definitely led bythe Spirit of truth. Certainly a person'sduty to his mother precedes his dutytoward others, but it does not come beforehis duty toward the Lord. Do not limityour mother's channels of good, but affirmthat all doors are open to her. They who

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wait upon the Lord shall not lack forguidance and substance.

"A young woman who earns one thousand six hundred dollars a year spendsabout a thousand dollars for her sister's

schooling. Should she tithe also?"A great deal of selfishness in family re

lationships is mistaken for true love andwisdom. There are ways through whichthe seemingly dependent ones can be madeself-supporting or at least in part so. Theywill be made stronger for it and will atsome time be grateful that they wereplaced upon their own resources. Thosewho give most, if not all, to the needs oftheir family or others have small returnsfor it, often not even thanks. Where Godhas no place the sacrifice is usually a selfish one. The father, mother, brother, sister, or child is made the object of devotionand placed first. This hinders the spiritualprogress of the one who is trying to helpand of those he would help. If the youngwoman were to give her tithe to theLord and trust in Him, the way wouldopen for the education of her sister, or

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else her income would be increased tomeet the need. Certainly she would notlack in placing God first. Sometimes aneducation different from the one plannedis better, although the latter may seem theonly one. If God is truly trusted He willinstruct the faithful in the way to a fulland abundant life."The man with a salary has no problem

in knowing that his tithe is the tenth ofhis whole income; but how about theman in business who consumes quite alarge amount of material in the production of an article? Should the tithe bepaid on gross receipts or on net profitsafter the costs of operation have beendeducted ?"

It is the belief of some that a businessman has no income or profits until therunning expenses are paid; that beforecomputing the tithe he should deduct theexpenses that are necessary for the doingof business. This of course does not include the personal expenses of the businessman or of those dependent upon himfor support. One's tithe in business is one

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tenth of his net income, or one tenth ofhis salary if he is employed on that basis.If one receives a salary in business thetithe should be deducted from that; alsoat the time of accounting the tithe shouldbe deducted from the net profits of thebusiness before dividends are paid. Thetithe always has reference to direct netincome.

There are others who pass from this togreater faith and tithe of gross receipts.One woman who runs a boarding housetithes of all that comes in before shemeets any expenses. She says that she hasbeen abundantly prospered. It is accordingto our faith. If we cannot as yet pass tothe greater faith, then it is well to actupon such faith as we have, until we growstronger. There are those who begin withthe tenth and pass from that to the givingof a fifth, or a fourth, or even a largerpercentage of their income."Should the man with a large family

give as much in tithes as the single person.? The government makes an allowancefor wife and children in its income tax.

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The man and woman who have giventheir all to raise a family and consecrated their children to God, have theynot given more than the one who has onlyhimself to support?"

The size of one's family has nothing todo with tithing. One would give in exactlythe same proportion as the single personif one desired to fulfill the law. Consecrating oneself or one's children to God isalways good and should be done, but itdoes not take the place of tithing. Wedo not know whether the widow who gaveher mite had children dependent uponher, but we know she was made richer bygiving. One cannot give more than one'sall to the Lord whether one is married orsingle. If a person is trying really to consecratehis tithe to the Lord he must do hisaccounting as an individual. The tithe isone tenth of one's direct income, whetherit is a dollar or a million dollars, whetherone is married or single.

"I should like to tithe, but my husbanddoes not approve, and I have no incomeapart from his."

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As for persons who have no direct income of their own, let them give of whatthey have and of such money as comesinto their hands that is theirs touse as theychoose. A wife should not tithe of herhusband's income if he is unwilling. Butthe allowance that the husband gives herfor her personal use she is free to use asshe thinks best. Certainly a wife who isindustrious in her daily duties and conscientious in her care of her husband andhome is entitled to decide as to half of thehusband's income at least whether it shallbe tithed or not. However if pressing thesubject tends to cause inharmony, it isbetter for the wife to be true to her ownconvictions as far as she is able and maintain peace in the home. She can always betrue to the inner tithe, and the outer willcome in due season. Although it is nobleto give of one's income to the Lord, it isalso well to give of oneself in study,prayer, meditation, and spiritual serviceto others. If there is opposition to ourtithing on the part of members of thefamily or close associates or friends, it is

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well to keep our own counsel in secretwith the Lord. After all we are bound tothe external only as far as we allow ourselves to be bound in thought. We maydeclare and find our freedom in Truth byobeying its guidance."Both my husband and I believe in tith

ing, but we differ on the question wherethe tithe should be given."

In this event the tithe may well bedivided in equal parts between husbandand wife. Then let each one be free togive as he feels directed, leaving the otherfree to do likewise."Some people ask if they should give

their tithe to Unity School or to their localUnity center." Give wherever you feelled to give, in whole or in part as you aredirected. But wherever you give it is wiseto make investigations to see if the Lord'swork is being done; for indiscriminategiving is not tithing. The more surely ourtithe goes to the Lord's work the morecertain and definite will be the increaseresulting to us. If Unity School, the localUnity center, or any other organization is

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doing the Lord's work, it should and willprosper. Those who are in the Spirit willsee to it. A work that is not ordained ofGod should and will pass away. "Noweapon that is formed against thee shallprosper." "Every plant which my heavenlyFather planted not, shall be rooted up.""I am the vine, ye are the branches: Hethat abldeth in me, and I in him, the samebeareth much fruit: for apart from me yecan do nothing."

Ten per cent of my husband's salary istaken out for charity before he receives it.Is this not his tithe?"

Ten per cent to charity is not necessarily a tithe, whether it is given by thecity or by the husband direct. The tithegoes to increase the thought of abundance,not to spread the thought of lack. Thetithe is given entirely to the Lord s work,which is greater than ordinary charity. "IfI bestow all my goods to feed the poor,and if I give my body to be burned, buthave not love, it profiteth me nothing."The tithe is a tenth of the income thatcomes directly into our hands for free use.

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Certainly the husband has not given histenth until he has given freely and of himself and of his own. He will not be madepoorer but richer if he is a faithful steward of that which is given directly to him.

59

PROSPERITY

by Charles Fillmore

The laws of prosperity and how to put them to

work in your own life are clearly explained in

this book. It gives you an understanding of spir

itual substance as the fundamental basis of the

universe and points out the practical means of

bringing it into manifestation as the good things

you need.

If you desire to demonstrate freedom from debt,

the chapter "God Will Pay Your Debts" will show

you the Truth way to financial freedom. "Tithing,

the Road to Prosperity," "Laying Up Treasures/'

and "Right Giving, the Key to Abundant Receiv

ing" are other chapter titles.

PROSPERiry will show you how to accept the

wealth that is all around you, waiting to be used.

Cloth, $1; flexible binding, $2.

UNITY SCHOOL OF CHRISTIANITY917 Tracy, Kansas City, Mo.

MIHTEDU.S.*. ABI.25C.6.41

prosper - institute for american...

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