Why Poverty and Distress?
13
It is because the rich neglect to do the work for the poor that
God designed they should do, that they grow more proud, more self-
sufficient, more self-indulgent, and hardhearted. They separate the
poor from them simply because they are poor, and thus give them
occasion to become envious and jealous. Many become bitter, and are
imbued with hatred toward those who have everything when they have
nothing.
God weighs actions, and everyone who has been unfaithful in his
stewardship, who has failed to remedy evils which were in his power
to remedy, will be of no esteem in the courts of heaven. Those who
are indifferent to the wants of the needy will be counted unfaithful
stewards, and will be registered as enemies of God and man. Those
who misappropriate the means that God has entrusted to them to help
the very ones who need their help, prove that they have no connection
with Christ, because they fail to manifest the tenderness of Christ
toward those who are less fortunate than themselves.—
The Review
and Herald, December 10, 1895
.
If the Rich Walk in Christ’s Footsteps—The rich man is a stew-
ard of God, and if he walks in Christ’s footsteps, maintaining a humble,
godly life, he becomes, through the transformation of character, meek
[20]
and lowly in heart. He realizes that his possessions are only lent trea-
sures, and he feels that a sacred trust has been committed to him to
help the needy and suffering, in Christ’s stead. This work will bring
its reward in talents and treasures laid up beside the throne of God.
Thus the rich man may make a spiritual success of life, as a faithful
steward of his Lord’s goods.—
Manuscript 22, 1898
.
Suffering—One Means of Perfecting Character—The Saviour’s
words have a message of comfort to those also who are suffering af-
fliction or bereavement. Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground.
God “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” When
He permits trials and afflictions, it is “for our profit, that we might be
partakers of His holiness.” If received in faith, the trial that seems so
bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights
the joys of earth will be the means turning our eyes to Heaven. How
many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led
them to seek comfort in Him!
The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and
roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling,