For most of us, when we receive our first paycheck, we will experience the “first heartache” when 20% of it is directed into our Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts. In that moment, we’ll wonder, “Should I tithe based on what I received in my bank or my total salary (before CPF deduction)?” This is definitely a hot topic at gatherings as there’s always bound to be someone entering adult life and starting work for the first time!
What is tithing?
The word “tithe” means one tenth of (your) annual produce or earnings.
Malachi 3:10 states “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”
In Genesis 28:20-22, we can see that Jacob vowed to give a tenth of his belongings to God, because of how God had taken care of him.
It’s well-known to all of us Christians about the promise God gave when we give our 10% of our earnings to Him. It’s also been constantly preached that we should put aside this 10% first for our tithes before using our earnings for anything else.
Should I tithe after or before CPF deduction?
I gave it some thought and after a few conversations with my peers and leaders in church, there are two ways of looking at it. While these are just my opinions, it’s good to start forming your own perspectives on looking at the matter.
Before CPF deduction
CPF contribution is still money received from your employer and tithing in this way acknowledges one tenth of your total income when you give it to God. It may seem like a “pain” at first to be giving a bigger amount, but it takes time to get into the rhythm of things. I do have friends that tithe before CPF and it’s such a blessing to hear that they want to acknowledge everything that they receive from God.
After CPF deduction
A friend shared with me that they would tithe after the CPF deduction because CPF is a sum of money that they will receive in the future. In addition, when they withdraw their CPF savings at 55, 10% will definitely be tithed! And it so good hear that this person wants to have this habit of tithing and giving to God a lifetime habit.
Final thoughts
Which method do I think is correct? Both! And it’s entirely up to you which method you end up working with. At the end of the day, you’re still tithing to God! You may even have your own opinions about the methods I stated, but I just want to remind all of us that God sees our heart when we constantly acknowledge that our wealth belongs to God. The choice is yours, pray about it and tithe with a cheerful heart, for God loves a cheerful giver.
‘Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.’
– Proverbs 3:9-10
Melvin Ang 