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Counsels on Stewardship
thoughts as to the possibility of being released from the pledge which
he had made. He might have reasoned much as men do now, that this
revelation was only a dream, that he was unduly excited when he made
his vow, and that therefore it need not be kept; but he did not.
Long years intervened before Jacob dared to return to his own
country; but when he did, he faithfully discharged his debt to his
Master. He had become a wealthy man, and a very large amount of
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property passed from his possessions to the treasury of the Lord.
Many in our day fail where Jacob made a success. Those to whom
God has given the greatest amount have the strongest inclination to
retain what they have, because they must give a sum proportionate
to their property. Jacob gave the tenth of all that he had, and then
reckoned the use of the tenth, and gave the Lord the benefit of that
which he had used for his own interest during the time he was in a
heathen land, and could not pay his vow. This was a large amount, but
he did not hesitate; that which he had vowed to God he did not regard
as his, but as the Lord’s.
According to the amount bestowed will be the amount required.
The larger the capital entrusted, the more valuable is the gift which
God requires to be returned to Him. If a Christian has ten or twenty
thousand dollars, God’s claims are imperative upon him, not only to
give his proportion according to the tithing system, but to present his
sin offerings and thank offerings to God.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:466, 467
.
Prayer Not a Substitute for Tithing
Prayer is not intended to work any change in God; it brings us into
harmony with God. It does not take the place of duty. Prayer offered
ever so often and ever so earnestly will never be accepted by God in the
place of our tithe. Prayer will not pay our debts to God.—
Messages to
Young People, 248
.
Before It Is Too Late
It will not be long before probation will close. If you do not
now serve the Lord with fidelity, how will you meet the record of your
unfaithful dealing? Not long hence, a call will be made for a settlement