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The Acts of the Apostles
Not until God ceases to bless His children will they cease to be
under bonds to return to Him the portion that He claims. Not only
should they render the Lord the portion that belongs to Him, but they
should bring also to His treasury, as a gratitude offering, a liberal
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tribute. With joyful hearts they should dedicate to the Creator the
first fruits of their bounties—their choicest possessions, their best and
holiest service. Thus they will gain rich blessings. God Himself will
make their souls like a watered garden whose waters fail not. And
when the last great harvest is gathered in, the sheaves that they are
enabled to bring to the Master will be the recompense of their unselfish
use of the talents lent them.
God’s chosen messengers, who are engaged in aggressive labor,
should never be compelled to go a warfare at their own charges, un-
aided by the sympathetic and hearty support of their brethren. It is the
part of church members to deal liberally with those who lay aside their
secular employment that they may give themselves to the ministry.
When God’s ministers are encouraged, His cause is greatly advanced.
But when, through the selfishness of men, their rightful support is with-
held, their hands are weakened, and often their usefulness is seriously
crippled.
The displeasure of God is kindled against those who claim to be His
followers, yet allow consecrated workers to suffer for the necessities
of life while engaged in active ministry. These selfish ones will be
called to render an account, not only for the misuse of their Lord’s
money, but for the depression and heartache which their course has
brought upon His faithful servants. Those who are called to the work
of the ministry, and at the call of duty give up all to engage in God’s
service, should receive for their self-sacrificing efforts wages sufficient
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to support themselves and their families.
In the various departments of secular labor, mental and physical,
faithful workmen can earn good wages. Is not the work of dissemi-
nating truth, and leading souls to Christ, of more importance than any
ordinary business? And are not those who faithfully engage in this
work justly entitled to ample remuneration? By our estimate of the
relative value of labor for moral and for physical good, we show our
appreciation of the heavenly in contrast with the earthly.
That there may be funds in the treasury for the support of the
ministry, and to meet the calls for assistance in missionary enterprises,