Written By: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 6—Preaching Practical Sermons
Giving for the necessity of the saints and for the advancement of the kingdom of God, is preaching practical sermons, which testify that those who give have not received the grace of God in vain. A living example of an unselfish character, which is after the example of Christ, has great power upon men. Those who do not live for self, will not use up every dollar meeting their supposed wants, and supplying their conveniences, but will bear in mind that they are Christ’s followers, and that there are others who are in need of food and clothing. {CS 29.1}
Those who live to gratify appetite and selfish desire, will lose the favor of God, and will lose the heavenly reward. They testify to the world that they have not genuine faith, and when they seek to impart to others a knowledge of present truth, the world will regard their words as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Let everyone show his faith by his works. “Faith without works is dead,” “being alone.” “Wherefore show ye to them and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting in your behalf.”—The Review and Herald, August 21, 1894. {CS 29.2}
Faith without works is dead, being alone. We are saved by grace, but we will be judged by our works. We must not only talk the talk, but must also walk the walk. Jesus said to the Jews, “If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed.” To continue is to remain in, or abide in, the Word of God. Jesus is the Word. It is the self-less character of Jesus which we are to continue in and follow. His actions exemplified denial of self by putting the needs of others before His. As followers of Christ, we must always bear in mind those who are in need of food and clothing before we spend every last dollar on ourselves. Thereby, we will gain the favor of God and receive the heavenly reward.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for setting Your example before us that we may know in the way we should go. Thank You for inviting us to continue in Your Word for the necessity of the saints and the advancement of Your kingdom. We pray for continued strength and courage to earn wages and the means to be used to further Your cause. Thank You for Your grace and letting us know that Your grace is not received in vain. Help us to be living examples unto others of an unselfish character. Help us to remember to keep the needs of others before ours. Keep us faithful in our giving and stewardship of all that You have entrusted to us. Forgive us of our sins, we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
