I had a thought the other day and even though I was driving, I was nearly to my destination so I was able to write it down when I stopped. The ADHD I’ve always had, combined with turning 50 in a few months, means if I don’t write it down it either never happened or it’s never going to, depending on the situation.

I’m going to use tithing as an example of a more general rule. Tithing is Old Covanent. It was prescribed in the Law but New Testament Christians do not live under the Law. There is no New Testament, New Covenant mandate to tithe. You are commanded to give. As a matter of fact God loves a cheerful giver. More than that: Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

If placing money in the offering plate – or using your church’s mobile app to hit the digital plate – makes you narrow your eyes and grumble under your breath, just don’t go ahead and skip it. You will not be blessed. You must give from your heart and not because you feel it is a requirement. For the New Testament believer it’s not just a matter of money, either. How do your spend your time and energy? And after you give 10, 15 or even 20% what do you do with the rest of it? Where are you driving your car? Who have you invited to your house? And in this day and age we could ask what are you doing online? The greatest command, according to Jesus, is to love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul mind and strength. When we approach giving and generosity from the perspective of loving God with all we are and all we have, the sum total will be much greater than 10%. He wants all of you. If tithing works for you as a discipline that’s one thing, but you have to honor God with how you spend the other 90%.

Which brings me to a point that is bigger than tithing. The Pharisees were tithing out their spice rack but they would let widows starve in the street. The Law was meant to teach them about God and what he desires and they were focused on keeping the Law in a very technical I checked all the boxes sort of way. Circumcision was the Law but three times in Deuteronomy and once it Jeremiah the Bible says to circumcise your heart. God’s desire is for our mind and heart to be more like his, not for you to stand before a judge with a well prepared legal brief. Pleasing God is not a matter of checking boxes and consulting tables like an audit by the IRS.

Christianity is not about lists of rules and regulations. It’s not about checking boxes, it’s about checking your heart.