Giving to God His Own
The Lord has given His people a message for this time. It is
presented in the third chapter of Malachi. How could the Lord present
His requirements in a clearer or more forcible manner than He has
done in this chapter?
All should remember that God’s claims upon us underlie every
other claim. He gives to us bountifully, and the contract which He has
made with man is that a tenth of his possessions shall be returned to
God. The Lord graciously entrusts to His stewards His treasures, but
of the tenth He says: This is Mine. Just in proportion as God has given
His property to man, so man is to return to God a faithful tithe of all
his substance. This distinct arrangement was made by Jesus Christ
Himself.
This work involves solemn and eternal results, and it is too sacred
to be left to human impulse. We should not feel free to deal with this
matter as we choose. In answer to the claims of God, regular reserves
should be set apart as sacred to His work.
The First Fruits
Besides the tithe the Lord demands the first fruits of all our increase.
These He has reserved in order that His work in the earth may be amply
sustained. The Lord’s servants are not to be limited to a meager supply.
His messengers should not be handicapped in their work of holding
forth the word of life. As they teach the truth they should have means
to invest for the advancement of the work, which must be done at the
right time in order to have the best and most saving influence. Deeds
of mercy must be done; the poor and suffering must be aided. Gifts
and offerings should be appropriated for this purpose. Especially in
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new fields, where the standard of truth has never yet been uplifted, this
work must be done. If all the professed people of God, both old and
young, would do their duty, there would be no dearth in the treasury.
If all would pay a faithful tithe and devote to the Lord the first fruits
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