Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CCh - Counsels for the Church (1991) Chapter 48—Counsels on Stewardship
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. {CCh 279.1}
Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of his Master. If those who have means should realize that they are accountable to God for every dollar that they expend, their supposed wants would be much less. If conscience were alive, she would testify of needless appropriations to the gratification of appetite, of pride, vanity, and love of amusements, and would report the squandering of the Lord’s money, which should have been devoted to His cause. Those who waste their Lord’s goods will by and by have to give an account of their course to the Master. {CCh 279.2}
If professed Christians would use less of their wealth in adorning the body and in beautifying their own houses, and would consume less in extravagant, health-destroying luxuries upon their tables, they could place much larger sums in the treasury of God. They would thus imitate their Redeemer, who left heaven, His riches, and His glory, and for our sakes became poor, that we might have eternal riches. {CCh 279.3}
God has placed us in a very favorable position in that He has blessed us with a system that was designed for us to be able to carry out His plan of salvation for this world. It was a blessing to the Jews and is a blessing for us today. We are accountable to God for every dollar we spend. If we spend money frivolously, we are wasting God’s money. This accountability applies to every individual, Church, and any self- supporting ministry. As in Paul’s case, he worked for a living in order to be able to support himself and his ministry. He did not use the money received from others, to be used for the work of God, for his personal use. He provided for himself from his wages that he earned as a tent maker. As Paul, so are we to imitate our Redeemer, who left heaven, His riches, and His glory, and for our sakes became poor, that we might have eternal riches.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You once again for allowing us the opportunity to be able to be co laborers with You in carrying out Your plan of salvation. As You blessed the Jews with this special system of tithing and stewardship, so are we blessed as well. We pray that You continue to help us in supporting Your work systematically and liberally. That not one dollar goes to waste. That the churches and pastors do not misappropriate the funds that are collected on Your behalf. That You give us strength to continue to labor for Your cause. We are sorry and repent of our sins and pray for the forgiveness of our sins, even now. In the name of Jesus Christ, we thank You and praise You. Amen.
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