The [[tithe]], one-tenth, is the ideal of stewardship set forth in [[Scripture]] in the [[Old Testament]] tithe, and in [[Tradition]], represented by The [[Didache]], St [[Irenaeus of Lyons|Irenaeus]], and St [[John Chrysostom]]. At first, for those not used to the idea of tithing, this amount may seem staggering. The best way to begin is to adopt a lower percentage and then increase it over time. First, we should accept the underlying principle behind tithing: that we should not give an arbitrary amount, but that our contributions should represent a proportion, a percentage, of our income. Once we establish a certain percentage (for example 3%-5%) as our starting point, we can then increase it by one percent a year until we reach the [[tithe]]. From the beginning, however, we must adopt the idea that we give a percentage of our treasure; we cannot base it on impulse, giving "a little something" from what we "have left over". Instead, our offering should represent "the firstfruits of our produce" offered because we feel need to "honor the Lord with our substance", because we want show our gratitude to Him for His blessings, and because we acknowledge our part in His work of redeeming the world.

[[Category:Asceticism]]

[[Category:Stewardship]]