Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 21—The Use of the Tithe
The Lord instructed Moses, for Israel, “Thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” Exodus 27:20. This was to be a continual offering that the house of God might be properly supplied with that which was necessary for His service. His people today are to remember that the house of worship is the Lord’s property, and that it is to be scrupulously cared for. But the funds for this work are not to come from the tithe. {CS 102.1}
A very plain, definite message has been given to me for our people. I am bidden to tell them that they are making a mistake in applying the tithe to various objects which, though good in themselves, are not the object to which the Lord has said that the tithe should be applied. Those who make this use of the tithe are departing from the Lord’s arrangement. God will judge for these things. {CS 102.2}
God’s treasury is to support ministering of the everlasting gospel. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Christ Jesus ministered, along with His disciples, the truth for humanity and their salvation. The truth for all, Jews and Gentiles alike. Christ did not build a fancy church; He ministered to the people right where they were. He had not even a place to lay His head. Christ Jesus is our great exemplar. If we follow in His word, we will know the truth that makes us free.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for Your truth that saves. For being our great exemplar in the way we should walk this earthly life. You have taught us what we need to do before You return to take Your saints home. We thank You for providing for our needs and directing the means in Your treasury to preaching and teaching the everlasting gospel to all Your people. We pray for Your presence as we venture out to proclaim the Good News to all that have an ear. We pray for all ministers and their churches to use Your treasury appropriately. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
