Chapter 8—Wholehearted Attachment to the Church
Every believer should be wholehearted in his attachment to the
church. Its prosperity should be his first interest, and unless he feels
under sacred obligations to make his connection with the church a
benefit to it in preference to himself, it can do far better without him.
It is in the power of all to do something for the cause of God. There
are those who spend a large amount for needless luxuries; they gratify
their appetites, but feel it a great tax to contribute means to sustain
the church. They are willing to receive all the benefit of its privileges,
but prefer to leave others to pay the bills. Those who really feel a
deep interest in the advancement of the cause, will not hesitate to
invest money in the enterprise whenever and wherever it is needed.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:18
.
Those who rejoice in the precious light of truth should feel a
burning desire to have it sent everywhere. There are a few faithful
standard-bearers who never flinch from duty or shirk responsibilities.
Their hearts and purses are always open to every call for means to
advance the cause of God. Indeed, some seem ready to exceed their
duty, as though fearful that they will lose an opportunity of investing
their portion in the bank of heaven.
There are others who will do as little as possible. They hoard their
treasure, or lavish means upon themselves, grudgingly doling out a
mere pittance to sustain the cause of God. If they make a pledge or a
vow to God, they afterward repent of it, and will avoid the payment of
it as long as they can, if not altogether. They make their tithe as small
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as possible, as if afraid that that which they return to God is lost. Our
various institutions may be embarrassed for means, but this class act
as though it made no difference to them whether they prosper or not.
And yet these are God’s instrumentalities with which to enlighten the
world.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:477, 478
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