Dear Pastor John,
Greetings in Jesus’ name! I have a question about paying tithes on non-monetary benefits from my job. For instance, health insurance, life insurance, workman’s comp, employer-paid social security (6.2%) and so forth? It’s estimated that these employer-paid costs are 30% – 35% of one’s income?
Also, is the 10% tithe not owed on social security until it’s received at retirement. Likewise, workman’s comp. is not paid until one is injured? I’m just trying to figure out what non-monetary benefits need to be tithed.
God bless, Stephen G
Marietta, GA
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Hi Stephen.
Thank you for your question. You heart is in the right place, to even be pondering this issue.
The simplest solution to the question of paying tithes on retirement contributions such as Social Security is to pay them only when the benefits are received. The same holds true with Workman’s Comp.
As for the perks that companies choose to offer in order to attract good workers, such as health and life insurance, I would not consider them to be “increase” to you, that tithes should be paid on. I can see how someone might make a different argument, but that is how I see it.
Fortunately for us all, God is not as picky as men are, and He is easy to please. When Jesus told us to “be anxious for nothing,” he was trying to get that point across to us. Our relationship with God is a matter of the heart, Stephen. We cannot do wrong in God’s sight as long as we are following after His righteousness and we keep our hearts free of condemnation. Ask Jesus about what I have told you, and if he agrees, do that! (And if he tells you something different, please let us know!)
Thank you again for your very good question. God bless you and those with you.
Pastor John