Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 12— Nine Tenths Worth More Than the Ten
Many have pitied the lot of the Israel of God in being compelled to give systematically, besides making liberal offerings yearly. An all-wise God knew best what system of benevolence would be in accordance with His providence, and has given His people directions in regard to it. It has ever proved that nine tenths are worth more to them than ten tenths.—Testimonies for the Church 3:546. {CS 68.1}
God is love. God has given us His directions out of His love for us, for our best interest. God imparts His wisdom to us for a holy purpose. It is not for His benefit that we give back to Him, it is for the good of humankind. God provides for all our needs, including the ability to earn wages to support our families and ourselves. Without God’s provisions, we would have nothing. Therefore, we are blessed with the nine tenths we get to keep, and doubly blessed with the one tenth we return. God’s system of benevolence is one of His great gifts to us. God is love.
Dear God,
We thank You for providing directions to us in the way we should go. We thank You for the system of benevolence You instituted for our benefit. We pray that You continue to help us provide for our families and ourselves, and to be able to give back to You to further the plan of salvation. We pray that You bless these means so we may continue the work You have appointed for us to do. May the everlasting gospel reach Your people everywhere, even to the four corners of the world. Keep us faithful in our giving and as stewards of all that is Yours. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
