Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 14— Not a Rigorous Law
Some will pronounce this one of the rigorous laws binding upon the Hebrews. But this was not a burden to the willing heart that loved God. It was only when their selfish natures were strengthened by withholding, that men lost sight of eternal considerations, and valued their earthly treasures above souls.—Testimonies for the Church 3:396. {CS 75.2}
No one will be able to carry his or her earthly treasures through the gates of heaven. The Bible says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter in through the gates of heaven. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. James 5:3. God’s laws and commandments are not for a burden, rather for our protection and salvation. Those who love God will do what is pleasing to God without murmuring or complaining. They will value God’s love and the salvation of souls more than anything this earthly world can ever bring.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank You for instituting Your laws and commandments for our instruction and salvation. We pray that as we carry out Your plan of salvation, we receive Your blessings from on High. We pray for strength, courage, and protection as we reach out to lost souls all over the world. Our prayer is that we may co labor with You to find the lost sheep and bring them home. We thank You for showing us that there is more value in souls than in earthly treasures. We look forward to our eternal riches that await us in heaven, and our heavenly mansions You have gone to prepare for us. Keep us faithful in our giving and in doing the work You have appointed us to do. We thank and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
