Education by Ministers and Church Officers
93
involves a blessing or a curse to the church. They should be relieved
of their responsibility, and other men should be tested and tried.
The Lord’s messengers should see that His requirements are faith-
fully discharged by the members of the churches. God says that there
should be meat in His house, and if the money in the treasury is tam-
pered with, if it is regarded as right for individuals to make what use
they please of the tithe, the Lord cannot bless. He cannot sustain those
who think that they can do as they please with that which is His.—
The
Review and Herald Supplement, December 1, 1896
.
The Responsibility of Church Officers
It is the duty of the elders and officers of the church to instruct the
people on this important matter, and to set things in order. As laborers
together with God, the officers of the church should be sound upon this
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plainly revealed question. The ministers themselves should be strict
to carry out to the letter the injunctions of God’s word. Those who
hold positions of trust in the church should not be negligent, but they
should see that the members are faithful in performing this duty.... Let
the elders and officers of the church follow the direction of the Sacred
Word, and urge upon their members the necessity of faithfulness in the
payment of pledges, tithes, and offerings.—
The Review and Herald,
December 17, 1889
.
Teaching the Poor to be Liberal
Frequently those who receive the truth are among the poor of this
world; but they should not make this an excuse for neglecting those
duties which devolve upon them in view of the precious light they
have received. They should not allow poverty to prevent them from
laying up a treasure in heaven. The blessings within reach of the rich
are also within their reach. If they are faithful in using what little they
do possess, their treasure in heaven will increase according to their
fidelity. It is the motive with which they work, not the amount they
do, that makes their offering valuable in the sight of Heaven.—
Gospel
Workers, 222
.
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