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Testimonies for the Church Volume 9
His righteousness.”
Matthew 6:33
. Christ gave Himself willingly
and cheerfully to the carrying out of the will of God. He became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. In view of all that
He has done, should we feel it a hardship to deny self? Shall we draw
back from being partakers of Christ’s sufferings? His death ought to
stir every fiber of our beings, making us willing to consecrate to His
work all that we have and are. As we think of all that He has done
for us, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and love, and we
should renounce all selfishness. What duty could the heart refuse to
perform under the constraining influence of the love of Christ?
Shall we not, by self-denial, do all that we can to advance God’s
enterprise of mercy? Can we behold the divine condescension, the
suffering endured by the Son of God, without being filled with a
desire to be allowed to sacrifice something for Him? Is it not a high
honor to be allowed to co-operate with Him? He left His heavenly
home to seek for us. Shall we not become His undershepherds, to
seek for the lost and straying? Shall we not reveal in our lives His
divine tenderness and compassion?
The Lord desires His people to be thoughtful and care-taking.
He desires them to practice economy in everything. If the workers
in the mission fields could have the means that is used in expensive
furnishings and in personal adornment, the triumphs of the cross of
Christ would be greatly extended.
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
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Lord’s treasury; others can bring only mites; but every gift brought
in sincerity is accepted by the Lord.
We plead for the money that is spent on needless things. My
brethren and sisters, waste not your money in purchasing unnec-
essary things. You may think these little sums do not amount to
much, but many littles will make a great whole. Cut off every ex-
travagant expenditure. Indulge in nothing that is simply for display.
Your money means the salvation of souls. Let there be systematic
giving on the part of all. Some may be unable to give a large sum,
but all can lay aside each week something for the Master. Let the
children act their part. Let parents teach their children to save their
pennies to give to the Lord. The gospel ministry is to be supported