Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 4—The Conflicting Principles of Christ and Satan
The Fruits of Selfishness
Those who allow a covetous spirit to take possession of them cherish and develop those traits of character which will place their names on the record books of heaven as idolaters. All such are classed with thieves, revilers, and extortioners, none of whom, the word of God declares, shall inherit the kingdom of God. “The wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.” Covetous attributes are ever opposed to the exercise of Christian beneficence. The fruits of selfishness always reveal themselves in a neglect of duty, and in a failure to use God’s entrusted gifts for the advancement of His work.—The Review and Herald, December 1, 1896. {CS 26.1}
To have one’s name written in the Book of Life is a far better place to be than having it written in the book of idolaters. Selflessness and selfishness are two of the conflicting principles between Christ and Satan. When one has a selfish spirit, it is impossible to serve or please God. Unfortunately, some so called “self-supporting” ministries exist to self-serve the preacher at the pulpit while disregarding the church and their members. These preachers are neglecting their duty and failing to use the “tithe” they collect to advance God’s work. Instead, the “tithe” is used for their own personal use first, and the church’s needs are secondary. Sister White points out that God classes such people with thieves, revilers, and extortioners and that none will inherit the kingdom of God. Choose to serve God with your means in supporting God’s work, and not some man who misappropriates God’s money.
Dear God,
It is our sincerest prayer that You convict all idolaters who have a covetous spirit to repentance. To turn in the other direction from where Satan is leading them, and instead to where Christ Jesus is leading the way to the heavenly kingdom. We pray that they will take off their covetous attributes and put on Christian beneficence. We are sorry that we ourselves have been selfish with our talents and pray for Your forgiveness. Grant us Your spirit of denial, humbleness, humility, and selflessness to use Your entrusted gifts that You provide to us for the advancement of Your work. Keep us faithful in our giving and in stewardship of all that rightfully belongs to You. May all the glory be to You. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
