Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 4—The Conflicting Principles of Christ and Satan
Death to All Piety
Christ is our example. He gave His life as a sacrifice for us, and He asks us to give our lives as a sacrifice for others. Thus we may cast out the selfishness which Satan is constantly striving to implant in our hearts. This selfishness is death to all piety, and can be overcome only by manifesting love to God and to our fellow men. Christ will not permit one selfish person to enter the courts of heaven. No covetous person can pass through the pearly gates; for all covetousness is idolatry.—The Review and Herald, July 11, 1899. {CS 26.2}
The Great Controversy has forever been between Christ and Satan. Satan would like nothing more than to lead you into his domain of covetousness and selfishness, whereas Christ paid the ultimate price by sacrificing His life for you and me. Christ did this out of love, and He is our great exemplar. It is this unconditional love with which we are to give our lives as a sacrifice for others. As stewards of everything that we are given to safeguard on Gods’ behalf, we are to exercise generosity and benevolence towards our brothers and sisters. Remember, if you follow Satan’s principle of selfishness, you will not enter into the kingdom of God. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for providing all of our needs in abundance. We pray that we are able to give to others out of love, as You did for us. You are our great exemplar, and we pray that we can reflect Your image unto others. We pray that as others see Your light, that they too may continue in Your way. We are sorry and humbly repent of any spirit of selfishness in our hearts and pray for Your forgiveness. May we be able to sacrifice for others and overcome by manifesting our love for You and our fellow men. We pray for Your continued blessings to continue the work of salvation You have appointed for us to do. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
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