Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CCh - Counsels for the Church (1991) Chapter 48—Counsels on Stewardship
While they have sound minds and good judgment, parents should, with prayerful consideration, and with the help of proper counselors who have experience in the truth and a knowledge of the divine will, make disposition of their property. {CCh 278.1}
If they have children who are afflicted or are struggling in poverty, and who will make a judicious use of means, they should be considered. But if they have unbelieving children who have abundance of this world, and who are serving the world, they commit a sin against the Master, who has made them His stewards, by placing means in their hands merely because they are their children. God’s claims are not to be lightly regarded. {CCh 278.2}
And it should be distinctly understood that because parents have made their will, this will not prevent them from giving means to the cause of God while they live. This they should do. They should have the satisfaction here, and the reward hereafter, of disposing of their surplus means while they live. They should do their part to advance the cause of God. They should use the means lent them by the Master to carry on the work which needs to be done in His vineyard.512 {CCh 278.3}
We should exercise prudence in considering the means that God has entrusted to us. Sister White states that if we leave an inheritance to children that are not of the faith, are well off but are not serving God, then the means would be better utilized while one is alive to further the cause of God. That it is a sin against God if these means are placed in the hands of their children. To go a step further, not only their children, but also to any ministry that is misappropriating the Church’s treasury, which belongs to God. The church’s treasury is not to be used for personal matters, but rather for the work of salvation. We as stewards serve God and only God. He is our Master and none other.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank Thee for being so good to us. For providing for all our earthly needs in abundance. For giving us the strength to labor, even as Your prophets labored, and allowing us to earn these means to support ourselves and our families. Though it all belongs to You, You only require a small portion from us to return unto Your treasury to further the work of salvation You have appointed us to do. We pray that You will help everyone to be faithful in their giving and to use these means appropriately, as You have outlined and instructed in Your Word. Please bless these gifts being shared today and also the portion that we are so grateful for keeping. We are sorry and repent of our sins and pray for the forgiveness of our sins. In the name of Jesus Christ, we thank Thee and praise Thee. Amen.
