Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CCh - Counsels for the Church (1991) Chapter 48—Counsels on Stewardship
Those who deny self to do others good, and who devote themselves and all they have to Christ’s service, will realize the happiness which the selfish man seeks for in vain. Said our Saviour: “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33.
Charity “seeketh not her own.” This is the fruit of that disinterested love and benevolence which characterized the life of Christ. The law of God in our hearts will bring our own interests in subordination to high and eternal considerations. {CCh 282.3}
The love of money is the root of all evil and the pursuit of happiness is but fleeting. So many today crave after that next high to receive that rush of happiness. But after the moment wears off, they are left empty. What do they do? They seek and chase after that next rush of happiness. For some, this happiness comes from shopping. With the click of a mouse on Amazon, their rush is momentarily satisfied. They remain on this wheel of, not happiness, but misery. Their problem is that they focus all on self, never on others. Happiness, or rather joy, will never be realized by one who lives a selfish life, existing only to please themselves. “Those who deny self to do others good, and who devote themselves and all they have to Christ’s service, will realize the happiness which the selfish man seeks for in vain.” Christ gave all, not for Himself, but for you and me. If you forsake your own wants, and practice benevolence, you can be a disciple of Christ. Take your eyes off self, and keep your eyes on Jesus.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for giving us the privilege of being co laborers with You in continuing the work of salvation. We are honored to be of Your service and thank You for this tremendous opportunity to be one of Your disciples. We pray for continued strength to be able to obtain and use the means you have entrusted to us in the same benevolent way which characterized Your life. Help us to bring our own interests into subordination to Your higher calling. Bless us with the joy that only You can provide. We thank You for all the blessings You have in store for us. We repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
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