Gathering Weekly Mission Offerings
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experience, which would help them in making a success of this life as
well as in securing the life to come—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School
Work, 98-100
.
Restricting Imaginary Wants
If men today were simple in their habits, living in harmony with
nature’s laws, as did Adam and Eve in the beginning, there would be
an abundant supply for the needs of the human family. There would be
fewer imaginary wants, and more opportunities to work in God’s ways.
But selfishness and the indulgence of unnatural taste, have brought
sin and misery into the world, from excess on the one hand, and from
want on the other.—
The Desire of Ages, 367
.
No Unhealthful Stimulation Needed
Those who keep eternal realities in view, who love the Lord with all
the heart and soul and strength, and their neighbor as themselves, will
conscientiously do their whole duty, as if the curtain were rolled back,
and they could see that they were working in view of the heavenly
universe. The spirit of Christian liberality will strengthen as it is
exercised, and will not need to be unhealthfully stimulated. All who
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possess this spirit, the Spirit of Christ, will with cheerful alacrity press
their gifts into the Lord’s treasury. Inspired by love for Christ and for
the souls for whom He has died, they feel an intense earnestness to act
their part with fidelity.—
The Review and Herald, May 16, 1893
.
A Revenue of Small Gifts
Parents have not taught their children the precepts of the law as God
has commanded them. They have educated them in selfish habits. They
have taught them to regard their birthdays and holidays as occasions
when they expect to receive gifts, and to follow the habits and customs
of the world. These occasions, which should serve to increase the
knowledge of God and to awaken thankfulness of heart for His mercy
and love in preserving their lives for another year, are turned into
occasions for self-pleasing, for the gratification and glorification of
the children. They have been kept by the power of God through every
moment of their life, and yet parents do not teach their children to