“The tithe-p­ayer establi­shes communion with the Lord. 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”

“Perhaps our most pivotal moments as Latter-day Saints come when we have to swim directly against the current of the culture in which we live. Tithing provides just such a moment. Living in a world that emphasizes material acquisi­tion and cultivates distrust for anyone or anything that has designs on our money, we shed that self-ab­sorption to give freely, trustin­gly, and generou­sly. By this act, we say—ind­eed—we are different, that we are God’s peculiar people. In a society that tells us money is our most important asset, we declare emphati­cally it is not.”

"The payment of tithing has less to do with money, but more to do with faith”

Joseph B. Wirthlin
Ensign, May 1990, 32

The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast
Class Member Study Guide - Lesson 17

Food for Thought

What is to be learned from how 'fasting' is applied in other faiths?

Why would God give us additional blessings merely from 'skipping a meal'?

What is the connection between denying what our body wants and 'losing your life to find it' (Matt 16:24-25)?

How has the Law of Tithing changed over time, and what is to be learned from its evolution?

How does paying money to an organization help you feel connected to it?

As Shared In Class

A Brief History of LDS Tithing

- 1837: Bishop Edward Partridge and counselors decided tithing was 2% of net worth, after deducting debt. "Voluntary tithing is better than forced taxes…". Tithing paid in labor, property, livestock

- 1838: Joseph Smith revelation required more sacrifice..."all surplus property, and 10% of interest after that

- 1841: Quorum of 12 decided tithing changed to 10% of current possessions and 10% income going forward…no penalties for avoidance

- Next 30 years various attempts at implementing this, deposits upon arrival to Utah, upon being baptized, certain leaders were exempt. Most people paid less than 1%. "Otherwise faithful members withered before an overwhelming tithing obligation". 

- 1880: 50th anniversary, biblical jubilee forgiving half of delinquent tithing, 

- 1881: Only full tithe payers could only get temple recommends. Still 10% down, 10% going forward, all back tithing accrued. Historians noted decrease in converts and immigration to Utah.

- 1899: Lorenzo Snow announced revelation limiting to 10% of income, no down payment. No definition of gross or net income. (interesting historical note - the 'windows of heaven' video likely took much creative license in the portrayal of the events…St. George was paying more tithing than SLC and drought didn't end soon…)

- 1970: 1st Presidency letter stating "interest" as defined in original revelation is "income"…no one can / should declare more or less than that. No definition of gross vs. net..

- Sources: 
LDS History blog

Brief History of Tithing

Deseret News article, on the nature of tithing...

Jeffrey R. Holland, on shedding self-absorption...

Additional Resources
Mormon Stories Sunday School podcast - Tithing

Encyclopedia of Mormonism on tithing

New Zealand Mormon Finances Case Study

Physical benefits of intermittent fasting

“Spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church, according to their faithfulness, circumstances, natural abilities, duties, and callings; that the whole may be properly instructed, confirmed, perfected, and saved.”

Orson Pratt
Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt, comp. N. B. Lundwall [1953], 571


Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts
Class Member Study Guide - Lesson 15

Food for Thought

How can we best discover our gifts and talents, and ways to use them to bless others?

How can we best develop those gifts we may not have?

What are we to do if our gifts, talents, and interests feel 'different' or outside the normal structure? 

As Shared in Class

Organizational Models:
Hierarchy- (levels of greatness, ruled by whomever is above) good for control, distribution, bad for information integrity and visibility and mobility. Not flexible, but withstands winds that may blow. Thrives on conformity to order. 

Oligarchy-(many are ruled by the few) good for information integrity and visibility, tough to maintain control as pressure grows, flexible and nimble, but driven by whims of leaders. Thrives on devotion to leadership.

Isocracy- (everyone is equal, no central power), Unified in belief, but unique in identity...Think King Arthur's round table, City of Enoch, land of Zion, etc., Thrives on diversity & unity of purpose. 

Theory of Spiritual BioDiversity: God's vineyard will be fruitful only when multiple varieties of each type of tree are present, each planted and nourished according to their own unique needs. 

Dieter Uchtdorf, on the need for diversity in church...

Marvin Ashton, on uncommon gifts...


Additional Resources
Engaging Gospel Doctrine podcast on Spiritual Gifts