Use of the Tithe
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remember that the house of worship is the Lord’s property, and that it
is to be scrupulously cared for. But the funds for this work are not to
come from the tithe.
A very plain, definite message has been given to me for our people.
I am bidden to tell them that they are making a mistake in applying
the tithe to various objects which, though good in themselves, are not
the object to which the Lord has said that the tithe should be applied.
Those who make this use of the tithe are departing from the Lord’s
arrangement. God will judge for these things.
Other Lines to Be Sustained, but Not From Tithes
One reasons that the tithe may be applied to school purposes. Still
others reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from
the tithe. But a great mistake is made when the tithe is drawn from the
object for which it is to be used—the support of the ministers....
The tithe is the Lord’s, and those who meddle with it will be
punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent.
Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted
into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it
should go. Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They
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are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed; the
tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry.—
Testimonies
for the Church 9:247-250
.
Includes Bible Teachers
Our conferences look to the schools for educated and well-trained
laborers, and they should give the schools a most hearty and intelligent
support. Light has been plainly given that those who minister in our
schools, teaching the word of God, explaining the Scriptures, educating
the students in the things of God, should be supported by the tithe
money. This instruction was given long ago, and more recently it has
been repeated again and again.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:215
.
Not a Poor Fund
The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a
poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who