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Counsels on Stewardship
The means thus dedicated has not always been appropriated as
the self-sacrificing donors designed. Covetous, selfish men, having
no spirit of self-denial or self-sacrifice themselves, have handled un-
faithfully means thus brought into the treasury; and they have robbed
the treasury of God by receiving means which they had not justly
earned. Their unconsecrated, reckless management has squandered
and scattered means that had been consecrated to God with prayers
and tears....
Even though the means thus consecrated be misapplied, so that
it does not accomplish the object which the donor had in view,—the
glory of God and the salvation of souls,—those who made the sacrifice
in sincerity of soul, with an eye single to the glory of God, will not
lose their reward.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:518, 519
.
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As Estimated in the Heavenly Balances
In the balances of the sanctuary, the gifts of the poor, made from
love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but
according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of
Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has
but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealthy
man who gives of his abundance. The poor man makes a sacrifice
of his little, which he really feels. He really denies himself of some
things that he needs for his own comfort, while the wealthy man
gives of his abundance, and feels no want, denies himself nothing that
he really needs. Therefore there is a sacredness in the poor man’s
offering that is not found in the rich man’s gift; for the rich give of
their abundance. God’s providence has arranged the entire plan of
systematic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never
stands still. If God’s servants follow His opening providence, all will
be active workers.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:398, 399
.