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Counsels on Stewardship
We should spare no effort to present the truth as it is in Jesus, so simply
and yet so forcibly that minds will be strongly impressed. We must
plan to work in a way that will consume as little means as possible;
for the work must extend into the regions beyond.—
The Review and
Herald, December 15, 1910
.
A Lesson From Judas
Judas had valuable qualities, but there were some traits in his
character that would have to be cut away before he could be saved. He
must be born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible. His
great hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil was covetousness. And
by practice this became a habit which he carried into all his trading. His
economical habits developed a parsimonious spirit, and became a fatal
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snare. Gain was his measurement of a correct religious experience, and
all true righteousness became subordinate to this. Christlike principles
of uprightness and justice had no room in his life practices....
Knowing that he was being corrupted by covetousness, Christ gave
him the privilege of hearing many precious lessons. He heard Christ
laying down the principles which all must possess who would enter
His kingdom. He was given every opportunity to receive Christ as
his personal Saviour, but he refused this gift. He would not yield his
way and will to Christ. He did not practice that which was contrary
to his own inclinations; therefore his strong avaricious spirit was not
corrected. While he continued a disciple in outward form, and while
in the very presence of Christ, he appropriated to himself means that
belonged to the Lord’s treasury....
Judas might have been benefited by these lessons, had he possessed
a desire to be right at heart; but his acquisitiveness overcame him, and
the love of money became a ruling power. Through indulgence, he
permitted this trait in his character to grow and take so deep a root that
it crowded out the good seed of truth sown in his heart.—
The Review
and Herald, October 5, 1897
.
Blinded by Love of the World
The cause of God is to hold the first place in our plans and af-
fections. There is need of bearing a straight message concerning the