Chapter 7—Stewardship While Living
The Work of Benevolence Twice Blessed
Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan of salvation, the law
of action and reaction, making the work of benevolence, in all its
branches, twice blessed. God could have accomplished His object in
saving sinners without the help of man, but He knew that man could not
be happy without acting a part in the great work of redemption. That
man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our Redeemer
formed the plan of enlisting him as His coworker.—
The Review and
Herald, March 23, 1897
.
Would you make your property secure? Place it in the hand that
bears the nailprint of the crucifixion. Retain it in your possession,
and it will be to your eternal loss. Give it to God, and from that
moment it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His immutability.
Would you enjoy your substance? Then use it for the blessing of the
suffering.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:50, 51
.
In order to be happy ourselves, we must live to make others happy.
It is well for us to yield our possessions, our talents, and our affections
in grateful devotion to Christ, and in that way find happiness here and
immortal glory hereafter.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:251
.
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
Christ entreats, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” This
work of transferring your possessions to the world above is worthy of
all your best energies. It is of the highest importance, and involves
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your eternal interests. That which you bestow in the cause of God
is not lost. All that is given for the salvation of souls and the glory
of God, is invested in the most successful enterprise in this life and
in the life to come. Your talents of gold and silver, if given to the
exchangers, are gaining continually in value, which will be registered
to your account in the kingdom of heaven. You are to be the recipients
of the eternal wealth that has increased in the hands of the exchangers.
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