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Recognizing God’s Ownership, October 17
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psalm 119:72
.
The psalmist’s words, “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands
of gold and silver,” state that which is true from other than a religious point of view.
They state an absolute truth, and one that is recognized in the business world. Even
in this age of passion for money-getting, when competition is so sharp, and methods
are so unscrupulous, it is still widely acknowledged that, for a young man starting
in life, integrity, diligence, temperance, purity, and thrift constitute a better capital
than any amount of mere money....
That which lies at the foundation of business integrity and of true success is
the recognition of God’s ownership. The Creator of all things, He is the original
proprietor. We are His stewards. All that we have is a trust from Him, to be used
according to His direction.
This is an obligation that rests upon every human being. It has to do with the
whole sphere of human activity. Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards,
supplied from God with talents and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work
appointed by Him.
To every man is given “his work” (
Mark 13:34
)—the work for which his capa-
bilities adapt him—the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his
fellowmen, and in greatest honor to God.
Thus our business or calling is a part of God’s great plan, and, so long as
it is conducted in accordance with His will, He Himself is responsible for the
results. “Labourers together with God” (
1 Corinthians 3:9
), our part is faithful
compliance with His directions. Thus there is no place for anxious care. Diligence,
fidelity, care-taking, thrift, and discretion are called for. Every faculty is to be
exercised to its highest capacity. But the dependence will be, not on the successful
outcome of our efforts, but on the promise of God. The word that fed Israel in the
desert, and sustained Elijah through the time of famine, has the same power today.
“Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?”
(
Matthew 6:31
, RV)....
He who gives men power to get wealth has with the gift bound up an obligation.
Of all that we acquire He claims a specified portion. The tithe is the Lord’s.... “Bring
ye all the tithes into the storehouse” (
Malachi 3:10
) is God’s command. No appeal
is made to gratitude or to generosity. This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is
the Lord’s; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own.
“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (
1 Corinthians 4:2
).
If honesty is an essential principle of business life, must we not recognize our
obligation to God—the obligation that underlies every other? (
Education, 137-139
).
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