Tithe or Pay the IRS?

By Ryan Healy | August 26, 2008

As I looked at my traffic stats today, I saw one reader found my blog by searching for “should I tithe or pay my bill to the IRS?”

I thought it might be helpful to answer this question directly in case anybody else is caught in this dilemma.

My advice: Pay the IRS first.

If you tithe that money… and you don’t pay the IRS… you’re going to end up paying the IRS even more in interest and fines.

Jesus said, “Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s; Give to God what is God’s.”

Pay your taxes as it is required where you live. Give God your heart.

You see, God isn’t really interested in your money. He wants you. And He wants all of you, especially your heart.

Furthermore, according to Biblical law, most people today wouldn’t be required to pay the tithe. You can read more about the tithe in this post I wrote 9 months ago:

==> Should You Tithe When You’re Broke?

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Topics: Case Studies |

2 Responses to “Tithe or Pay the IRS?”


  1. mimipaula1 Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

    I disagree with your advice, Ryan. I would rather owe the IRS, a man-made organization, than owe God, who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. I need God’s blessing on ALL of my money; if I give to God FIRST, He will make a way for me to pay my IRS bill. If I pay the IRS bill first, there is no option for them to bless and multiply my money so that I can tithe. Luke 12:31 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” The IRS doesn’t give out promises like this one!

  2. Ryan Healy Says:
    August 27th, 2008 at 10:04 am

    That’s okay to disagree, Paula.

    My perspective: paying the IRS is not the same as storing up wealth for yourself. (Luke 12:21)

    Also: Does seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness mean giving money to pastors?

    Is God’s kingdom made up of expensive church buildings?

    What does God’s kingdom really look like — and how do we seek it?

    Questions to ponder.

    Ryan

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