Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 7—A Time for Economy and Sacrifice
Money is a needed treasure. Do not lavish it upon those who need it not. Someone needs your willing gifts. There are those in the world who are hungry, starving. You may say, I cannot feed them all. But by practicing Christ’s lessons of economy, you can feed one. “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” These words were spoken by Him whose power wrought a miracle to supply the needs of a hungry multitude. {CS 37.2}
If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your life at once. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eternity. Habits of economy, industry, and sobriety, are a better portion for your children than a rich dowry. {CS 37.3}
We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. Let us not spend our means in gratifying desires that God would have us repress. Let us fitly represent our faith by restricting our wants. Let our church members arise as one man, and work earnestly, as those who are walking in the full light of truth for these last days.... {CS 38.1}
Of what value is untold wealth, if it is hoarded in expensive mansions, or in bank stock? What do these weigh in the scale in comparison with the salvation of the souls for whom Christ, the Son of the infinite God, has died?—The Review and Herald, December 24, 1903. {CS 38.2}
We must ask ourselves, what do we really need? Are the goods we purchase necessary for our existence and well-being? Are we buying goods and services out of necessity or are they for show? Are we trying to “keep up with the Jones’?” If we keep in mind the needy, hungry, poor, homeless, widows, and orphans, then we are more likely not to use our means for extravagant or unnecessary uses. God has blessed us with means, not for our self- gratification, rather to further His work and the plan of salvation. Helping to feed one soul has more value than gratifying our own selfish desire. So, instead of storing up your money for earthly treasure, use your means for the salvation of souls, thereby storing it up for your heavenly treasure.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank You for all the blessings You continually shower upon us. For providing all of our needs in abundance. We are merely pilgrims on this earth and pray that we can be called Your workers in carrying out Your plan of salvation. We pray that You keep us faithful in our giving and that the means we return unto You will be a blessing unto others and save souls for Your kingdom. Help us not be wasteful and extravagant with Your blessings. Help us use these blessings to impart to someone who needs our willing gifts. We pray that You may multiply our gifts to supply the needs of a multitude. Help us work earnestly, as those who are walking in the full light of truth for these last days. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
