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Tithing (10%)
Tithing (10%) and Charity Tzedakah (10%): A Principle of Faith, Discipline, and Blessing
Tithing (10%) and Charity Tzedakah (10%): A Principle of Faith, Discipline, and Blessing
By Budi Margono, ST, MBA
Tithing and charity are not expenses—they are principles of stewardship.
From a young age, Budi Margono has practiced the discipline of tithing 10% of income to God, following the biblical principle and inspired by the legacy of John D. Rockefeller, who faithfully tithed from his youth and maintained disciplined bookkeeping throughout his life. Rockefeller believed that giving first created clarity, discipline, and divine alignment in wealth creation.
Biblical Foundation of Tithing (10%)
Biblical Foundation of Tithing (10%)
The Bible teaches tithing as an act of obedience, trust, and worship:
Malachi 3:10-12 "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
Tithing is the practice of giving one-tenth (10%) of one's income or produce to support a religious organization or charitable causes, rooted in Old Testament scripture (Leviticus 27:30) but interpreted differently today, generally as a voluntary act of faith and worship, not a strict legal requirement for Christians, symbolizing trust in God as the provider. It funds church operations, ministries, and helps the needy, with the focus shifting from mandatory law to cheerful, generous giving.
Tzedakah / Charity is a concept encompassing both generous giving (money, time, goods) and a deep, compassionate love for humanity, driving individuals and organizations (non-profits/charities) to help those in need, address societal problems like poverty, disease, and disaster, and work for social good, focusing on areas like health, education, environment, and human rights. It's a moral virtue rooted in love and concern, aiming to create positive change and build stronger communities.
My Testimony : Learning to Give from childhood
My Testimony : Learning to Give from childhood
My Testimony: Learning to Give from Childhood
My Testimony: Learning to Give from Childhood
By Budi Margono, ST, MBA
I would like to share my personal testimony about tithing, giving, and God’s faithfulness.
I first attended Sunday School when I was five years old. Every week, I gave IDR 100 as my offering. For a child, that amount was very valuable. Through that simple act, I learned two important lessons early in life: giving and saving.
That small offering planted a seed in my heart.
How I First Came to Sunday School
How I First Came to Sunday School
My first encounter with Christianity began very simply. When I was five, I heard children singing joyful songs through my neighbor’s wall. I asked my mother, “What is that?” My neighbor explained that it was Sunday School, held every week at Ms. Hartati’s house, where many children gathered.
I asked my mother if I could join. There, I met new friends—very different from my school friends. They were polite, gentle, and kind. I felt peace.
I loved the Bible stories— Noah and the animals, Adam and Eve, David defeating Goliath, Samson fighting the lion, Joseph, Abraham, Jonah the Whale, and the story of Jesus, especially learning about Christmas. Every week we received a stamp, and at Christmas we could exchange those stamps for a big present. Those memories stayed with me for life.
Growing in Faith and Service
Growing in Faith and Service
My Sunday School teachers were Om Hok Seng, Ci Febe, Tante Lanny, and Ci Cil. Later, they brought me to GIA Pringgading Church, a large church where I continued growing as a teenager.
As a youth, I served God in RBK Youth Ministry with Mr. Lukas, and eventually I became a leader of the Jeremiah Team. Serving God shaped my character and leadership.
Tithing Changed My Heart
Tithing Changed My Heart
Through tithing and giving, God changed my heart—not to love money, but to use money for good purposes, to help others and serve God.
Something remarkable happened in my life. My academic performance improved dramatically. From a low ranking student, I rose steadily—1st, 2nd, and 3rd rank—until I graduated from high school as the top student.
I received a special invitation to Diponegoro University, one of the best government universities in Central Java.
Throughout my studies, I continued tithing faithfully every week. God helped me in amazing ways. Curriculum rules changed in a way that benefited me. The Holy Spirit guided me to take more courses than required. While my friends were confused—“Why are you taking so many credits?”—I followed that guidance.
In the end, the Holy Spirit led me to submit only my best grades. I graduated with a GPA of 3.62, ranking 2nd overall, with distinction.
God’s Faithfulness in Work and Calling
God’s Faithfulness in Work and Calling
As I continued working and giving—tithing to God, supporting church building funds—God opened doors beyond my imagination. I was entrusted with roles connected to the World Bank and IMF, met presidents, prime ministers, and built meaningful partnerships to support economic growth.
Later, God placed a calling on my heart to build a foundation, combining business, work, and service to humanity.
A Legacy of Giving
A Legacy of Giving
I learned much from the life of John D. Rockefeller, who practiced tithing faithfully from a young age and kept disciplined bookkeeping. Inspired by this legacy, I follow the same principle:
10% for tithing to God
10% for charity (tzedakah)
80% to work, save, build companies, invest, and grow
Like the parable of the talents, the seed must grow—from five talents to ten talents—for God’s glory and the blessing of others.
This is my testimony.
When you give to God, God repays in ways beyond money—through wisdom, favor, purpose, and peace.
I truly believe that if I become a billionaire, it will be by God’s blessing, and philanthropy must always begin with obedience, gratitude, and faithful tithing.
God bless.
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