A Wise Distribution of Means
Church-members are to contribute cheerfully toward the support
of the ministry. They should practice self-denial and economy, that
they may come behind in no good gift. We are pilgrims and strangers,
seeking a better country, and every soul should make a covenant with
God by sacrifice. The time for saving souls is short, and whatever is
not needed in supplying positive necessities, should be brought as a
thank-offering to God.
And it is the duty of those who labor in word and doctrine to show
an equal self-sacrifice. A solemn responsibility rests upon those who
receive the liberal donations of the church, and administer the means
in God’s treasury. They are to study carefully the providences of God,
that they may discern where there is the greatest necessity. They are
to be co-laborers with Christ in establishing His kingdom on the earth,
in harmony with the prayer of the Saviour, “Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [
Matthew 6:10
.]
The work all over the world is to receive consideration. New fields
are to be entered. Let our brethren remember that much means and
much hard labor are required to carry forward the work in new fields.
In planning for the cause in foreign countries, the difficulties to be
met there are to be considered, and willing support must be given to
the workers. Those at the heart of the cause are to examine closely into
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the needs of the different fields; for they are God’s stewards, set for the
extension of the truth in all parts of the world. They are inexcusable if
they remain in ignorance regarding the needs of the work. They are
to know the advantages and difficulties of each field, and then with a
spirit of unselfish interest they are to work for the advancement of the
cause as a whole.
When those who are to appropriate to the needs of the Lord’s
work means in His treasury, have unselfishly tried to gain a right
understanding of the situation, they should come to the mercy-seat,
asking for clear intuition and heavenly wisdom, that they may see
the necessities of the far-off countries, as well as of those nearer by.
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