Counsels on Stewardship
353
No urging was needed. The people brought even more than was
required, and were told to desist, for there was already more than could
be appropriated. Again, in building the temple, the call for means met
with a hearty response. The people did not give reluctantly. They
rejoiced in the prospect of a building being erected for the worship of
God, and donated more than enough for the purpose.
Can Christians, who boast of a broader light than had the Hebrews,
give less than they? Can Christians living near the close of time be
satisfied with their offerings when not half so large as were those of
the Jews
The Lord has made the diffusion of light and truth in the earth
dependent on the voluntary efforts and offerings of those who have
been partakers of the heavenly gifts. Comparatively few are called to
travel as ministers or missionaries, but multitudes are to co-operate in
spreading the truth with their means
Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am
weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of
receiving from God’s beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless
you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He
claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others.
When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of
so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that
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we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is
blessed, but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed.
God’s claim is first; every other is secondary
Tithing Is Ordained by God
Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the
gospel. Of the means which is entrusted to man, God claims a certain
portion—a tithe
All should remember that God’s claims upon us underlie every
other claim. He gives to us bountifully, and the contract which He has
made with man is that a tenth of his possessions shall be returned to
God. The Lord graciously entrusts to His stewards His treasures, but
498
Testimonies for the Church 4:77-79
499
Testimonies for the Church 5:148, 150
500
Testimonies for the Church 5:149