Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 23—The Principles of Stewardship
Are we as individuals searching the word of God carefully and prayerfully, lest we shall depart from its precepts and requirements? The Lord will not look upon us with pleasure if we withhold anything, small or great, that should be returned to Him. If we desire to spend money to gratify our own inclinations, let us think of the good we might do with that money. Let us lay aside for the Master small and large sums, that the work may be built up in new places. If we spend selfishly the money so much needed, the Lord does not, cannot, bless us with His commendation. {CS 111.1}
As stewards of the grace of God, we are handling the Lord’s money. It means much, very much to us to be strengthened by His rich grace day by day, to be enabled to understand His will, to be found faithful in that which is least as well as in that which is great. When this is our experience, the service of Christ will be a reality to us. God demands this of us, and before angels and men we should reveal our gratitude for what He has done for us. God’s benevolence to us we should reflect back in praise and deeds of mercy.... {CS 111.2}
Oftentimes we selfishly spend money on needless extravagances instead of putting the money to work for the furthering of the everlasting gospel. Too often, we get neglectful and complacent in the work before us in these last days. Christ is knocking on our doors, and we need to answer. He will not bless us if we ignore His call. We are stewards of all that belongs to God, small and great. God has done great things for us, and we are to return His favor in praise and deeds of mercy. Pray and work in new places where the work is plenty. Bless others and be blessed.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You so much for entrusting us as stewards of all that belongs to You. It is our privilege to be co-workers with You in the plan of salvation. Help us not to be selfish and think of others before we spend Your money on needless things for self, be it small or great. Please help us in the work in new places as well as in the old. We pray for Your protection while we are out serving You. We pray to remain faithful in our giving and not become complacent or neglectful in our call to duty. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
