When looking at the scripture that has aggrandize preachers there is a certain irony. Starting in Malachi chapter two we find our Father speaking to the Levitical priesthood.
Malachi 2:1 And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
And why were the priests rebuked? For not paying their tithes; from congregational tithes, to ensure the poor had food in the storehouse.
Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But (ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee)? In tithes and offerings.
When we look back to Numbers we find the Levites were command to pay their tithes.
Numbers 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, (then ye shall offer) up an heave offering of it for the LORD, (even a tenth part of the tithe)
You have to admit the brevity of this scripture being used to acquire tithes from congregation is rich.
The Mosaic covenant had moral, ceremonial and civic laws. These were to be administrated by the Levitical priesthood in a Theocratic government. Tithes were the same as our taxes are in our current government system.
I give to a ministry; not out of fear of a curse, but out of love for the gospel.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, (may abound to every good work.)
If a child of God gives a percentage of their income they will learn this principle. You cannot out give our Heavenly Father. It means more to me now; giving offerings knowing that I am not commanded, then when I gave out of obligation to a command.
Selah