How Tithing Changed My Financial Outlook

Introduction: More Than Just Giving

For years, I viewed tithing as nothing more than a church obligation. A box to tick. A rule to obey. Ten percent of my income, handed over without much thought, prayer, or understanding. But over time, I began to ask myself the hard questions:

Why does God ask us to tithe?
Does it actually affect our finances?
What happens when we give out of faith, not fear?

I didn’t get overnight answers. But what followed was a deep transformation—not just spiritually, but financially. In this post, I’ll walk you through how tithing completely changed my financial outlook, why it matters more than ever today, and how it could be the pivot you need to regain control and peace in your finances.

Chapter 1: From Obligation to Revelation

Like many Christians, I grew up hearing about tithing. “Give God your first fruits,” the preacher would say. Malachi 3:10 was quoted so often I could recite it in my sleep. But let’s be honest—I didn’t really believe tithing made a difference beyond making pastors happy.

In fact, I secretly thought of tithing as a tax—something I had to do to avoid guilt.

But my mindset began to shift the day I hit rock bottom financially.

Bills were piling up. My job was uncertain. I had loans, no savings, and a constant sense of anxiety about the future. And in that dry, desperate season, I heard God’s still, small voice:

“Try me in this.” (Malachi 3:10)

That scripture hit me differently this time. It wasn’t a command to give. It was an invitation to trust.

Chapter 2: Tithing as a Trust Exercise

What most people don’t realize is that tithing isn’t about money. It’s about trust.

When I decided to start tithing with intentionality—not just occasionally or halfheartedly—it wasn’t easy. My income was small, and the 10% felt huge. But I began to tithe with prayer, asking God to teach me through it.

Each time I tithed, I was saying:

“God, I trust You more than my paycheck.”
“You are my Source, not my job.”
“I believe You care about how I manage money.”

That mindset began to break something off me: the scarcity mentality.

I no longer lived with the fear that there wouldn’t be enough. Instead, I began to believe in the principle of divine partnership—that God wasn’t just watching me spend, but walking with me through financial decisions.

Chapter 3: The Shift in My Financial Habits

Here’s the surprising part: the more consistently I tithed, the more aware I became of how I spent the remaining 90%.

I stopped being reckless with money. I started budgeting. I paid more attention to what I valued. Suddenly, financial discipline didn’t feel like punishment—it felt like empowerment.

These were some habits that followed:

Budgeting became a monthly routine.
I began to plan where every naira would go, rather than wondering where it went.
Impulse spending reduced drastically.
Giving the first 10% helped me remember that the rest was also God’s, not just mine.
I prioritized needs over wants.
Tithing helped shift my priorities from impressing others to being responsible before God.

So, while tithing didn’t make me a millionaire overnight, it rewired my mindset. That alone is priceless.

Chapter 4: Doors Opened That I Didn't Expect

A few months into tithing faithfully, opportunities began to show up.

A freelance project I had once been rejected for resurfaced with a better offer. An old friend offered a business collaboration. I got a raise at work without asking for it. And even when money didn’t come in the form of cash, I noticed that things started lasting longer—my car, my gadgets, even food in the house.

Now, some might call this a coincidence. But I call it provision.

God never promised us luxury, but He does promise sufficiency—and that was exactly what I experienced. I learned contentment. I saw provision. And my faith in God’s economy grew stronger.

Chapter 5: Answering the Tough Questions About Tithing

Let’s tackle a few common questions people ask (and I once asked) about tithing:

“Is tithing still required in the New Testament?”
While the New Testament emphasizes generosity over legalism, the principle of honoring God with our income remains. Jesus mentioned tithing (Matthew 23:23), not to abolish it, but to remind us to tithe with the right heart.

“What if I don’t have enough to tithe?”
That’s when faith truly begins. God isn’t looking at the size of the tithe but the posture of your heart. Start where you are even if it’s small and grow from there.

“Where should my tithe go?”
Tithing should be given to the local church or ministry that nourishes your spiritual life. Offerings can go elsewhere, but your tithe is about covenant connection and accountability.

Chapter 6: Why My Financial Outlook Will Never Be the Same

Today, my approach to money is no longer driven by fear. I don’t hoard. I don’t panic. And I certainly don’t view God as a bill collector waiting for His cut.

I see Him as my Shepherd, guiding me in financial stewardship.

Here’s what changed in me:

I now give with joy, not reluctance.
I plan my finances, rather than reacting in a crisis.
I pray over money decisions, big or small.
I see increase as a tool, not just a reward.

In short, I now manage money, rather than money managing me.

Chapter 7: Practical Tips If You Want to Start Tithing

If you’ve never tithed before—or if you’ve done it sporadically—here are a few steps that helped me build consistency:

Start with a budget.
Know your income and expenses. This will help you tithe from a place of clarity.
Set a tithe day.
Whether it’s monthly or weekly, make it part of your rhythm.
Pray when you give.
Don’t just transfer money. Speak life over it. Declare God’s promises.
Track testimonies.
Keep a journal of the ways God provides—unexpected opportunities, promotions, etc.
Stay accountable.
Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can encourage you

Conclusion: It Was Never About the Money

Looking back, I now understand what God was doing through tithing. He wasn’t just trying to teach me about money. He was teaching me about faith, trust, discipline, and generosity.

Tithing was the door that led me to greater financial clarity, spiritual maturity, and emotional peace.

If your finances feel stuck, consider this: maybe the breakthrough you need isn’t just in earning more, but in trusting deeper

Final Thought

You don’t have to figure it all out at once. But you can start. You can take one step one act of obedience and trust God to meet you in that journey.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”Proverbs 3:9–10

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