Counsels on Stewardship
359
The reward of whole-souled liberality is the leading of mind and
heart to a closer fellowship with the Spirit
Paul lays down a rule for giving to God’s cause, and tells us what
the result will be both in regard to ourselves and to God. “Every man
according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
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or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” “This I say, He
which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” “God is able to make all grace
abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work: ... Now he that ministereth seed to
the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed
sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in
everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving
to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
The Proper Disposition of Property
While they have sound minds and good judgment, parents should,
with prayerful consideration, and with the help of proper counselors
who have experience in the truth and a knowledge of the divine will,
make disposition of their property.
If they have children who are afflicted or are struggling in poverty,
and who will make a judicious use of means, they should be considered.
But if they have unbelieving children who have abundance of this
world, and who are serving the world, they commit a sin against the
Master, who has made them His stewards, by placing means in their
hands merely because they are their children. God’s claims are not to
be lightly regarded.
And it should be distinctly understood that because parents have
made their will, this will not prevent them from giving means to the
cause of God while they live. This they should do. They should have
the satisfaction here, and the reward hereafter, of disposing of their
surplus means while they live. They should do their part to advance
the cause of God. They should use the means lent them by the Master
to carry on the work which needs to be done in His vineyard
510
Testimonies for the Church 6:390
511
Testimonies for the Church 5:735
512
Testimonies for the Church 3:121