I ran across an old book the other day, Spiritual Life Through Tithing by Ernest Thomas. As I glanced through the book I saw a brief paragraph about William Colgate, the founder of the Colgate-Polmalive Company, maker of soaps and dental-care products. I thought it might be useful to share this paragraph from the book about Mr. Colgate:
“William Colgate was a tither throughout his long and successful business career. He gave not merely one-tenth of the earnings of Colgate’s soap products; but he gave two-tenths, then three-tenths, and finally five-tenths of all his income to the work of God in the world. During the later days of his life he revealed the origin of his devotion to the idea of tithing. When he was sixteen years old he left home to find employment in New York City. He had previously worked in a soap manufacturing shop. When he told the captain of the canal boat upon which he was traveling that he planned to make soap in New York City the man gave him this advice: ‘Someone will soon be the leading soap maker in New York. You can be that person. But you must never lose sight of the fact that the soap you make has been given to you by God. Honor Him by sharing what you earn. Begin by tithing all you receive.’ William Colgate felt the urge to tithe because he recognized that God was the giver of all that he possessed, not only of opportunity, but even of the elements which were used in the manufacture of his products.”
William Colgate died in 1857 but left behind a company that is successful to this day and a college that bears his name. It is interesting to note a few things evident in the excerpt above. Colgate not only believed in tithing but believed in giving in an increasing measure over his life. It was not enough to give a tenth—Colgate wanted to express his love for the Lord by giving in an increasing amount. Also, Colgate heard a testimony about tithing from someone who believed in it. This captain of the canal boat undoubtedly understood what it meant to tithe and it was his personal testimony that encouraged Colgate. Finally, Colgate recognized that by tithing he gave back to God who was the giver of all he possessed. God owns it all and Colgate learned this important lesson early in his life.
Do you believe in tithing as a personal testimony to the Lord’s goodness toward you? I think today’s church would benefit greatly by rediscovering tithing as a practical necessity for the Christian. Tithing involves personal surrender and sacrifice and has the potential to help us fight the rampant secularism and materialism of our society. I would encourage you to pray how the Lord may be directing you in this area of your spiritual life. Next time you brush your teeth, remember Colgate’s testimony.
For study and application, read Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8, Psalm 50:10
