Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 3—Why God Employs Men as His Almoners
Our Greatest Conflict With Self
In this life our possessions are limited, but the great treasure that God offers in His gift to the world, is unlimited. It comprehends every human desire, and goes far beyond our human calculations. In the great day of final decision, when every man shall be judged according to his deeds, every voice of self-justification will be hushed; for it will be seen that in His gift to the human race the Father gave all He had to give, and that they are without excuse who have refused to accept the gracious offering. {CS 21.2}
We have no enemy without that we need to fear. Our great conflict is with unconsecrated self. When we conquer self, we are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us. My brethren, there is eternal life for us to win. Let us fight the good fight of faith. Not in the future, but now, is our probation. While it lingers, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things,”—the things which now so often serve Satan’s purpose as snares to deceive and destroy,—“shall be added unto you.”—The Review and Herald, March 5, 1908. {CS 21.3}
Our conflict with self, and our greatest fears, are often the result of focusing our attention on self. When one takes their attention off of self, and considers the needs and happiness of others, this great burden is lifted. The spirit of benevolence is one of God’s greatest gift to human kind. This gift is for all, and there is no excuse for those who do not accept it. But it is not too late, if you humble and consecrate your life to Jesus today, who gave all for you and for me. Do not wait, for tomorrow is not promised. Dedicate your limited possessions of this world to God’s treasury, for God’s work, and not to serve the purpose of Satan. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Our kind and gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank You for being so good to us. For taking care of all of our needs in abundance. To give us the ability and the strength to labor for means to further the work of salvation You have appointed for us to do. We pray for Your continued blessings in this world where there is no greater treasure than in Your Heavenly Kingdom. Help us and all our brothers and sisters to not make any excuse to accept Your gracious gift of salvation. Help us fight the good fight of faith. Forgive us of our sins. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Comments