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Verse:So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” —Mark 12:43, 44
God instituted the system of tithes and offerings with the triple purpose of breaking our selfishness, sustaining the gospel ministry, and fostering mission.
Even so, some people argue that misuse of those funds in church channels justifies the giver in sending his or her means directly to alternative, “more reliable” projects and ministries. The May 18, 1869, issue of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald carried a short article by J. N. Andrews, “The Tithing System.” Regarding the origin of that system, Andrews suggested that “the tithing system did not originate with the Levitical priesthood, but with that of Melchisedek, under which we now are [Hebrews 7]. We are therefore under obligation to do as much as this, as Christians; and if any wish to give as much as the poor widow, they will not lose their reward.” The priesthood in the days of Jesus had become extremely corrupt.
Jesus could have discouraged the poor widow from helping that priesthood. Instead, He praised her for what she did (Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4).
Ellen White explains, “Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones who render back to God the things that are His, as He requires of them, will be rewarded according to their works. Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so that it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in view, —the glory of God and the salvation of souls,— those who made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will not lose their reward.”30 And she pleads with us, “Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe, to use according to their own judgment.” “God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we now have, and there must be means in the treasury.” So, let’s bring all our faithful tithes and offerings into God’s assigned storehouse (Malachi 3:10).