Lesson 17 – D&C 59:13-14, 21; 119; 120
This lesson concerns the way in which we build the kingdom
and serve others by paying tithing and fast offerings.
The Lord has commanded us to pay tithing. He has promised great blessings to those who obey this commandment.
On the 8th of July 1838, the Lord gave Joseph a
revelation on tithing. D&C 119:3-4
gives us the Lord’s definition of tithing.
The First Presidency gave the following definition of tithing: “The simplest statement we
know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely, that the members of the
Church should pay ‘one-tenth of all their interest annually,’ which is
understood to mean income. No one is justified
in making any other statement than this” (First Presidency letter, 19
Mar. 1970)
President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “It is remarkable how many
excuses can be made and interpretations given as to what constitutes the
tenth…It is written, however, that as we measure, it shall be measured to us
again. If we are stingy with the Lord, he may be stingy with us, or in other
words, withhold His blessings” (Church History and Modern
Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 2:92)
Malachi 3:8-9. We
“rob God” if we do not pay tithes. Read
D&C 59:21; 104:14.
Malachi 3:10-12 tells what the Lord promises faithful tithe
payers.
Elder John A. Widtsoe spoke of the spiritual blessings that
come when we pay tithing: “The tithe-payer establishes communion with God. This is the happiest reward. Obedience to the law of tithing, as to any
other law, brings a deep, inward joy, a satisfaction and understanding that can
be won in no other way. Man becomes in
a real sense a partner, albeit a humble one, with the Lord in the tremendous,
eternal program laid out for human salvation.
The principles of truth become clearer of comprehension; the living of
them easier of accomplishment. A new
nearness is established between man and his Maker. Prayer becomes easier. Doubt retreats; faith advances; certainty
and courage buoy up the soul. The
spiritual sense is sharpened; the eternal voice is heard more clearly. Man
becomes more like his Father in Heaven.” (Deseret News, 16 May
1936, Church section, 5)
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “During World War II, my widowed mother supported
her three young children on a schoolteacher’s salary that was meager. When I became conscious that we went without
some desirable things because we didn’t have enough money, I asked my mother why
she paid so much of her salary as tithing.
I have never forgotten her explanation: ’Dallin, there might be some
people who can get along without paying tithing, but we can’t. The Lord has chosen to take your father and
leave me to raise you children. I
cannot do that without the blessings of the Lord, and I obtain those blessings
by paying an honest tithing. When I pay
my tithing, I have the Lord’s promise that he will bless us, and we must have
those blessings if we are to get along.’” (Ensign, May 1994,
33)
Although we may need the blessings, we should pay tithing
because we love the Lord and have faith in Him. Consider how payment of tithing shows that we love the Lord.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said that “the payment of tithing has
less to do with money, but more to do with faith,” (Ensign, May 1990,
32)
Class discussion will also touch on how paying tithing can
be a challenge.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton: “Successful financial management in every LDS
home begins with the payment of an honest tithe. If our tithing and fast offerings are the first obligations met
following the receipt of each paycheck, our commitment to this important gospel
principle will be strengthened and the likelihood of financial mismanagement
will be reduced. Paying tithing
promptly to Him who does not come to check up each month will teach us and our
children to be more honest with those physically closer at hand” (One for the Money: Guide to
Family Finance [1992], 3)
In D&C 120, we are informed about who is responsible for determining how the tithing funds are used. The “bishop and his council” refers to the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. The “high council” is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Council on the Disposition of the Tithes is therefore, composed of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric.
President Gordon B, Hinckley spoke of the deep respect
the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes has for the tithing funds: “I keep on the credenza behind my desk a
widow’s mite that was given me in Jerusalem many years ago as a reminder, a
constant reminder, of the sanctity of the funds with which we have to
deal. They come from the widow; they
are her offering as well as the tithe of the rich man, and they are to be used
with care and discretion for the purposes of the Lord. We treat them carefully and safeguard them
and try in every way that we can to see that they are used as we feel the Lord
would have them used for the upbuilding of His work and the betterment of
people” (Ensign, May 1994, 35)
Elder Dallin
H. Oaks explained how tithing funds are used: “[Tithing] funds are spent to
build and maintain temples and houses of worship, to conduct our worldwide
missionary work, to translate and publish scriptures, to provide resources to
redeem the dead, to fund religious education, and to support other Church
purposes selected by the designated servants of the Lord” (Ensign.
May 1994, 35)
In this dispensation, the Lord restored the law of the
fast. We have been instructed that a
proper fast consists of abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive
meals, attending fast and testimony meeting, and contributing a generous fast
offering. Fasting may also be
appropriate when special needs exist on days other than the normal monthly Fast
Sunday.
Purpose, Preparation and Prayer are required to have a joyous experience when we fast. Otherwise, we may simply be going without food and will not have a spiritual benefit from the abstinence.
Purposes of fasting may include: drawing nearer to the Lord,
receiving guidance, increasing our spiritual strength, humbling ourselves,
subordinating our bodily needs to our spiritual desires, overcoming a weakness
or temptation, strengthening our testimony, or seeking blessings for others.
Preparation for fasting can make the experience more meaningful. We can choose a specific reason for fasting, teach our family members the law of the fast and assure that they understand the doctrine, ponder the needs of loved ones and family members, and pay close attention to natural disasters or other problems which could be the subject of our fast. In class, be prepared to suggest other ways in which we can prepare for a meaningful fast.
Prayer should begin our fast, be part of the duration of the
fast, and end our fast.
A proper fast must also include the giving of a generous fast offering. These funds are then used to care for the poor and needy, first in the ward and then in the stake where the member resides. The bishop may use them for food, clothing, shelter or other life-sustaining aid. This is necessary for us to serve others and show our love for those in need.
President Spencer W. Kimball said: “Sometimes we have been a bit penurious
[unwilling to share] and figured that for breakfast we had one egg and that
cost so many cents and then we give that to the Lord. I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought
to be very, very generous… and give, instead of the amount we saved by two
meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more where we are in a
position to do it.” (Conf. Rpt. April 1974, 184)
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “Think…of what would happen if the principles of fast day and the fast offering were observed throughout the world. The hungry would be fed, the naked clothed, the homeless sheltered. Our burdens of taxes would be lightened. The giver would not suffer but would be blessed by his small abstinence. A new measure of concern and unselfishness would grow in the hearts of people everywhere.” (Ensign, May 1991, 52-53)
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