Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 11—Selling Homes and Property
Preparation for Time of Trouble
Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar, and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble, and have no clogs to weigh them down. {CS 59.4}
I saw that if any held on to their property, and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: “The cause was languishing, God’s people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. O that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!” {CS 60.1}
I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time, but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.—Early Writings, 56, 57. {CS 60.2}
The day of the Lord will come upon us as a thief in the night. It will be when we least expect it. The warning is to be prepared, making oneself as light as possible, with as few encumbrances to weigh and slow us down. Every one will receive their call to duty. Be vigilant, watch and pray, lest you are taken unawares. God’s people are starving for the truth. Continue to support God’s cause and listen for God’s instruction. Your possessions will be of no use to you in the time of trouble. Be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for Your Word and instruction. We thank You for providing us with means to support Your cause. We pray You bless these means to witness to the world of our risen Savior’s second advent. We pray that we may hear Your voice and receive understanding as to when we should take action, when to sell and how much, before Your great day to come. Help
us be free with nothing weighing us down in that day to come and be found of You in peace, without spot, and blameless. We thank You for all Your provisions. We are sorry and repent of our sins, save us dear Lord, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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