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All Our Treasures for God, April 26
Freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8
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All that men receive of God’s bounty still belongs to God. Whatever
He has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed
in our hands to test us, to sound the depths of our love for Him and our
appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of
intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus.
In commissioning His disciples to go “into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature,” Christ assigned to men the work of extending the
knowledge of His grace. But while some go forth to preach, He calls upon
others ... for offerings with which to support His cause in the earth.
Not all can make large offerings, not all can do great works, magnificent
deeds; but all can practice self-denial, all can reveal the unselfishness of the
Saviour. Some can bring large gifts to the Lord’s treasury; others can bring
only mites; but every gift brought in sincerity is accepted by the Lord.
Many would be surprised to see how much could be saved for the cause
of God by acts of self-denial. The small sums saved by deeds of sacrifice
will do more for the upbuilding of the cause of God than larger gifts will
accomplish that have not called for denial of self.
The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. Christ’s self-sacrificing
love is revealed upon the cross. That man might be saved, He gave all
that He had and then gave Himself. The cross of Christ appeals to the
benevolence of every follower of the blessed Saviour. The principle there
illustrated is to give, give.... The principle of worldlings is to get, get....
The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ rebukes selfish-
ness.... Many of God’s people are in danger of being ensnared by world-
liness and covetousness. They should understand that it is His mercy that
multiplies the demands for their means.... He thus makes man the medium
through which to distribute His blessings on earth. God planned the system
of beneficence in order that man might become like his Creator, benevolent
and unselfish in character, and finally be a partaker with Christ of the eternal,
glorious reward.
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