Are you tithing enough to get into heaven?

Jacob started the obligation of giving 10% to the church in Genesis 28:22. It's sinful not to give that much, no matter how little one earns. Tobit extended the concept to an additional 13 1/3 % to charity on what's earned. That is a good model to strive towards, no matter what your income level.

But to those who are given more, more is expected. In 2006, the lowest average income for a nation was about $500. The world average was $4839. The US average was $37,000. So perhaps people making more should choose to live on $37,000 or less, since those other amounts are impractical with the cost of living differences. The "privilege" of poverty is not about being a burden to others after giving up all of your possessions. You should not give up everything. You must support yourself and your family. It would be sinful not to. However, you should give up your surplus. Remember, Saint Augustine said not giving of your surplus is like stealing from the poor. That may be more than 23 1/3% for some.