Chapter 37—The Wealth of the Gentiles
Not to Take Means From the Cause—The tithe is set apart for a
special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially
devoted to the support of those who are bearing God’s message to the
world, and it should not be diverted from this purpose.—
Review and
Herald, Supplement, December 1, 1896
.
The cause of God should not be overlooked that the poor may
receive our first attention. Christ once gave His disciples a very impor-
tant lesson on this point. When Mary poured the ointment on the head
of Jesus, covetous Judas made a plea in behalf of the poor, murmuring
at what he considered a waste of money. But Jesus vindicated the
act, saying: “Why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work
on Me.” “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the
whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a
memorial of her.” By this we are taught that Christ is to be honored
in the consecration of the best of our substance. Should our whole
attention be directed to relieving the wants of the poor, God’s cause
would be neglected. Neither will suffer if His stewards do their duty,
but the cause of Christ should come first.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:550, 551
.
God’s claim is to take precedence of any other claim and must be
discharged first. Then the poor and the needy are to be cared for.—
The
Youth’s Instructor, August 26, 1897
.
To Receive From Outside Sources—God will open the way for
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us from sources outside our own people. I cannot see how anyone can
take exceptions to the receiving of gifts from those not of our faith.
They can only do so by taking extreme views and by creating issues
which they are not authorized to do.—
Special Testimonies to Ministers
and Workers 3:43
God Moves Upon Unbelievers to Help—You inquire with re-
spect to the propriety of receiving gifts from Gentiles or the heathen.
The question is not strange; but I would ask you, Who is that owns
our world? Who are the real owners of houses and lands? Is it not
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