Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 5—Beneficence Where Christ Abides
Covetousness and Avarice Overcome
The rich should consecrate their all to God, and he who is sanctified through the truth in body, soul, and spirit, will also devote his property to God, and will become an agent whereby other souls will be reached. In his experience and example it will be made manifest that the grace of Christ has power to overcome covetousness and avarice, and the rich man who renders unto God His entrusted goods, will be accounted a faithful steward, and can present to others the fact that every dollar of their accumulated property is stamped with the image and superscription of God.—The Review and Herald, September 19, 1893. {CS 28.1}
The love of money is the root of all evil. This is more the reason why covetousness and avarice must be overcome. Money in and of itself is not evil. Money is merely a tool. However, like all tools, if used improperly, it can create more harm than good. A hammer can be used to build a house, or to break into a house. Imagine, if the rich were to consecrate their all to God, how many souls would be reached and possibly saved for God’s heavenly kingdom. A rich man can do wonderful things for God, and through the power of Christ Jesus, can overcome covetousness and avarice. Prayerfully, the rich man will be convicted by God’s truths and consecrate all to further God’s cause, thereby being accounted a faithful steward.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for allowing us the privilege of beneficence. We pray that You will touch the hearts of those who have an abundance of property and that they are moved to consecrate their all to You. We are all merely stewards of everything that You provide for us. We pray that we may be able to reach souls and that these souls may be saved by Your truths. Keep us all faithful in our giving and may we be accounted as faithful stewards. May all the glory be to You, dear Lord. It’s in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
