Laidlaw’s Graduated Scale

Robert A. Laidlaw, the New Zealand businessman who wrote the famous booklet “The Reason Why” (translated into 30 languages with over 16 million copies) started tithing his $3 weekly salary at age 18.

Two years later, he covenanted with God to give 10% of his salary—up to a predetermined amount. Above that amount and up to a larger amount—15%. Above this amount and up to a still larger amount—20%. All above a still larger amount—25%.

At the age of 25, Laidlaw decided to change the above graduated scale and give God 50% of all his earnings.

Forty-five years later, he testified: “In spiritual communion and in material things, God has blessed me 100-fold, and has graciously entrusted to me a stewardship far beyond my expectations when, as a lad of 18, I started to give God a definite portion of my wages.”