Additionally, xzins, your "gross" vs. "net" argument smacks of legalism. You either give from a grateful heart, being led by the Spirit of God to invest in the work of God, or you make up lots of little rules concerning what niggardly portion God is to receive. You can't have it both ways.
I have tithed + for many years..I do not feel "bound" by an OT law..BUT I believe that the pattern is sound and that it pleases God
One of my favorite passages is 1Ch 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.
I believe I have christian liberty in this as Paul noted
2 Cor 8:3-5 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
It is Gods will for us that we give..and as all born again believers know it is a joy to have the privilege to give
2 Cor 9:7-8 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
As you note Jerry everything I have is His..how little he asks back
A tenth of the gross is usually a lot more than a tenth of the net, and if God commands a tenth be given, which is it? To give more is fine (for example, if he means tenth of the net, and you give of the gross), if He so leads, but what if he commands only a tenth? Which is it? It's a valid question.