Message of Malachi
75
nopolize that which God has lent them, as though it were their own
property, to do with as they please. When their power to grasp wealth
is gratified, they think that their possessions make them of value in the
sight of God. This is a snare, a deception of Satan. What does outward
pomp and show avail? What do men and women gain by pride and
self-indulgence? “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange
for his soul?” Worldly treasure is fleeting. Only through Christ can we
obtain eternal riches. The wealth that He gives is beyond all computa-
tion. Having found God, you are supremely rich in the contemplation
of His treasure. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love Him.”
[85]
Ask yourself the question, What am I doing with the Lord’s talents?
Are you placing yourselves where the words are applicable to you,
“Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole
nation”?
We are living in a time of solemn privilege and sacred trust, a time
in which our destiny is being decided for life or for death. Let us
come to our senses. You who claim to be children of God, bring your
tithes to His treasury. Make your offerings willingly and abundantly,
according as God has prospered you. Remember that the Lord has
entrusted you with talents, upon which you are to trade diligently
for Him. Remember also that the faithful servant takes no credit to
himself. All the praise and glory is given to the Lord: Thou deliveredst
unto me thy pound. No gain could have been made unless there had
first been a deposit. There could have been no interest without the
principal. The capital was advanced by the Lord. Success in trading
comes from Him, and to Him belongs the glory.
Oh, if all who have a knowledge of the truth would only obey
the teaching of this truth! Why is it that men, standing on the very
threshold of the eternal world, are so blinded? There is not a dearth
of means, generally speaking, among Seventh-day Adventists. But
many Seventh-day Adventists fail to realize the responsibility which
rests upon them to cooperate with God and Christ for the saving of
souls. They do not show forth to the world the great interest God has
in sinners. They do not make the most of the opportunities granted
them. The leprosy of selfishness has taken hold of the church. The