Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 12—Designed as a Great Blessing
The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of beneficence was just what man needed.—Testimonies for the Church 3:404, 405. {CS 67.3}
God gave us His system of beneficence, not for Himself, but as a blessing for humankind. It was never intended that the government be stewards of God’s children, rather it was for the churches to assume this role. As Christians, we are stewards of all that God has provided to us and we are to bless others with our abundance. Too many people go without the necessities of life while others live in extravagance. Christians can help, and should help those less fortunate. As we bless others, we will be blessed in so doing. Else, God would not have given us this system. It is exactly what humankind needed.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for blessing us with Your system of beneficence. We pray that all Your people will carry it out until the end of time. We pray that the wages You help us earn will turn into a blessing for those who are in need. May these means go towards feeding them the physical food as well as the spiritual food. Help us be faithful stewards of all Your provisions, not for ourselves, but to be a great blessing for humankind. We pray for Your Spirit to lead us and guide us in all the instructions You have provided to us. We thank You, and may all the Glory be to You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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