Peril of Covetousness
185
in; but if those who have an abundance do not hear His voice, cut loose
from the world, and sacrifice for God, He will pass them by, and will
call for those who are willing to do anything for Jesus, even to sell
their homes to meet the wants of the cause. God will have freewill
offerings. Those who give must esteem it a privilege to do so.—
The
Review and Herald, September 16, 1884
.
God’s people are on trial before the heavenly universe; but the
scantiness of their gifts and offerings, and the feebleness of their
efforts in God’s service, mark them as unfaithful. If the little that is
now accomplished were the best they could do, they would not be
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under condemnation; but with their resources they could do much
more. They know, and the world knows, that they have to a large
degree lost the spirit of self-denial and cross bearing.—
Testimonies
for the Church 6:445, 446
.
Everyone Tested
To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty,
the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each.
At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the
impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the
sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to
whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is
strongest.
Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service
of God unless his whole heart is in the work, and he counts all things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who
makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can be His
colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice
seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way,
they will rejoice to follow.—
The Desire of Ages, 273
.
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