Self-Sacrifice
The laws of Christ’s kingdom are so simple, and yet so complete,
that man-made additions will create confusion. And the more simple
our plans for work in God’s service, the more we shall accomplish. To
adopt worldly policy in the work of God is to invite disaster and defeat.
Simplicity and humility must characterize every effective effort for the
advancement of His kingdom.
In order that the gospel may go to all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and peoples, self-sacrifice must be maintained. Those in positions
of trust are in all things to act as faithful stewards, conscientiously
guarding the funds that have been created by the people. There must be
care to prevent all needless outlay. In erecting buildings and providing
facilities for the work, we should be careful not to make our preparation
so elaborate as to consume money unnecessarily; for this means in
every case inability to provide for the extension of the work in other
fields, especially in foreign lands. Means are not to be drawn from the
treasury to establish institutions in the home field, at a risk of crippling
the advancement of truth in regions beyond.
God’s money is to be used not only in your immediate vicinity,
but in distant countries, in the islands of the sea. If His people do
not engage in this work, God will surely remove the power that is not
rightly appropriated.
Many among believers have scarcely food enough to eat, yet in
their deep poverty they bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord’s
treasury. Many who know what it is to sustain the cause of God in hard
and trying circumstances have invested means in the publishing houses.
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They have willingly endured hardship and privation, and have watched
and prayed for the success of the work. Their gifts and sacrifices
express the fervent gratitude of their hearts to Him who has called
them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Their prayers and their
alms come up as a memorial before God. No incense more fragrant
can ascend to heaven.
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