Tithing is one of the most controversial issues in modern Christian society. Some people argue that tithing is a law enshrined in the Old Testament, whereby God requires a tithe of everything including spices and condiments such as mint, cumin and dill.
It is a reminder that everything that people possess belong to God and that they are only custodians of what He already owns. Tithing is considered one of the ways in which the poor can benefit from the resources held by the wealthy.
In Deuteronomy 14:29, for instance, Israelites are commanded to reserve the triennial tithe for the local communities rather than take it to the central sanctuary. It is to be used as a relief for the landless and destitute, including children without fathers and widows. At a time when many Christian leaders are living on the fast lane, the question on who benefits from the tithe they receive and who should give it has never been more relevant.
Michael Warui, in his new book, The 12 Letters Kingdom Economics, provides a rare perspective on different issues addressed in the form of letters, chief among them tithing.
“I wrote each individual letter as received from my journeying and time with God during the Covid-19 pandemic. These letters were posted on social media and proved quite meaningful to my public audience who follow my page.
Subsequently, a reader that I walked with for a number of years consolidated the letters into a booklet that was used to teach believers in many different nations,” he says.
In his second letter, Michael provides an in-depth discussion on the importance of tithe and other of giving under the lens of the New Testament. Nevertheless, he assumes a whole new perspective on the issue of tithing. The author argues that new believers should take disciplining taxes before the begin tithing or giving to the local church community.
Warui, to emphasise the point makes a vivid comparison between tithing and paying taxes to the government. He argues that babies and teenagers are not required to pay taxes until they attain an age in which they are considered to have entered the tax bracket. It is only then that they have a strong understanding on how government function and how the money they give as taxes is used. Similarly, Christians should have reached maturity to understand the importance of tithing and how their giving benefits society and the work of God.
Still, Warui addresses another significant issue in modern Christian society; leadership and following. The issue, again, cannot be overemphasized at a time when spiritual authority in the country and all over the world has been grossly abused. Religious organizations and leaders have sprouted everywhere, many of them preaching water and drinking wine. Scandals involving deceit, job scamming, financial misappropriation, sexual abuse, and even mass murder have blemished the face of Christian leadership. Yet, Warui, in his first letter implores new Christians to get a leader. The author states that there are genuine men and women of God with a true calling and anointing to be dispensers of God’s grace. Only when new Christians have a teacher and a mentor can their lives transform and change.
In all, the 12 Letters Kingdom Economics is an inspiring and thought-provoking work of literature that beautifully blends wisdom, faith, and practical life lessons. “My desire is that readers will identify with a book that has been crafted with care, is rooted in Biblical truth, and is capable of provoking readers to meditate upon the issues raised long after the last page,” explains Michael. The provides an uplifting message, with each letter carrying a powerful sense of purpose, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on leadership, spirituality, and personal growth.
Warui writes with clarity and passion. He makes complex ideas easy to understand while leaving a lasting impact. The author inspires personal transformation, offering encouragement to anyone seeking direction, hope, and a deeper understanding of Christian kingdom economics principles.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its high quality of authorship and writing. It is not only meant for members of the Christian faith, but people in leadership positions in the country and beyond. While it connects with readers on an individual level, its lessons are relatable, motivating, and filled with insight that can be applied in everyday life.
Overall, 12 Letters Kingdom Economics is a meaningful and
enriching read that leaves readers inspired and empowered. “I acknowledge that
our reading culture in East Africa is not quite where it should be. However,
there is a segment of our population who consume books of value on a regular basis,”
states the author, “My prayer is that the book be seen as valuable and be
consumed by this segment of society that reads regularly; and, especially by
leaders and those believers looking to gain a better understanding of the
process by which God — through Holy Spirit and the fivefold ministry — brings
us to maturity in the Christian faith.”
