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Counsels on Stewardship
A Question of Following Jesus
Jesus only required him [the rich young ruler] to go where He led
the way. The thorny path of duty becomes easier to follow when we
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trace His divine footsteps before us, pressing down the briers. Christ
would have accepted this talented and noble ruler, if he had yielded to
His requirements, as readily as He accepted the poor fishermen whom
He bade to follow Him.
The young man’s ability to acquire property was not against him,
provided he loved his neighbor as himself, and had not wronged an-
other in acquiring his riches. That very ability, had it been employed in
the service of God in seeking to save souls from ruin, would have been
acceptable to the divine Master, and he might have made a diligent
and successful worker for Christ. But he refused the exalted privilege
of cooperating with Christ in the salvation of souls; he turned away
from the glorious treasure promised him in the kingdom of God, and
clung to the fleeting treasures of earth....
The young ruler represents a large class who would be excellent
Christians if there was no cross for them to lift, no humiliating burden
for them to bear, no earthly advantages to resign, no sacrifice of
property or feelings to make. Christ has entrusted to them capital of
talents and means, and He expects corresponding returns. That which
we possess is not our own, but is to be employed in serving Him from
whom we have received all we have.—
The Review and Herald, March
21, 1878
.
Faith Rare Among the Wealthy
A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith, sustained
by works, is rare. But all who possess this faith will be men who will
not lack influence. They will copy after Christ in that disinterested
benevolence and interest in the work of saving souls that He had.
The followers of Christ should value souls as He valued them. Their
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sympathies should be with the work of their dear Redeemer, and they
should labor to save the purchase of His blood at any sacrifice. What
are money, houses, and lands, in comparison with even one soul?—
The
Review and Herald, February 23, 1886
.