Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 19—The First Duty to God
Some have felt under sacred obligations to their children. They must give each a portion, but feel themselves unable to raise means to aid the cause of God. They make the excuse that they have a duty to their children. This may be right, but their first duty is to God.... Let no one throw in his claims and lead you to rob God. Let not your children steal your offering from God’s altar for their own benefit.—Testimonies for the Church 1:220. {CS 94.1}
The Bible teaches that our first fruits are to be reserved for God’s treasury to carry out the plan of salvation. Christ Jesus ministered to the poor, hungry, naked, homeless, widows and orphans. Christ told us that if we do not do the same, we have not done anything for Him. The world today needs the everlasting gospel more than ever. This requires all faithfully return unto God that which is His and not use it for their own benefit. We have the privilege of being co laborers in Christ and are to be wise in the use of the portion that remains with us as well.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We thank You for the privilege and honor of being Your co laborers in the plan of salvation. We cheerfully return to Your treasury that which is Yours. We thank You with our first fruits and pray for Your blessing upon it. We pray these means will bless those who are in need. We thank You for providing for our needs, and for giving us a way to labor for our wages. We pray for the missionaries all over the world as they continue going forward with the everlasting gospel. Please keep all the brothers and sisters faithful in their giving and to You be the glory. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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