Chapter 46—Finance
Adventists give generously if they see results—When the church
sees that the ministers are all aglow with the spirit of the work, that
they feel deeply the force of the truth, and are seeking to bring others
to the knowledge of it, it will put new life and vigor into them. Their
hearts will be stirred to do what they can to aid in the work. There is
not a class of people in the world who are more willing to sacrifice
of their means to advance the cause than are Seventh-day Adventists.
If the ministers do not utterly discourage them by their indolence
and inefficiency, and by their lack of spirituality, they will generally
respond to any appeal that may be made that commends itself to their
judgment and consciences. But they want to see fruit.—
Testimonies
for the Church 3:49
.
Giving wins converts, who in turn give to win more converts—
All our church members should feel a deep interest in home and foreign
missions. Great spiritual blessing will come to them as they make
self-sacrificing efforts to plant the standard of truth in new territory.
The money invested in this work will bring rich returns. New converts,
rejoicing in the light received from the Word, will in their turn give of
their means to carry the light to others.—
Testimonies for the Church
9:49
.
Some preach only that part of the truth that pleases people,
and neglect stewardship—Are you, brethren, preaching that part of
the truth that pleases the people, while other parts of the work are left
incomplete? Will it be necessary for some one to follow after you, and
urge upon the people the duty of faithfully bringing all the tithes and
offerings into the Lord’s treasury? This is the work of the minister,
but it has been sadly neglected. The people have robbed God, and the
wrong has been suffered because the minister did not want to displease
his brethren. God calls these men unfaithful stewards.—
The Review
and Herald, July 8, 1884
.
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