Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 1—Coworkers With God
Meeting Around the Cross
The love expressed on Calvary should be revived, strengthened, and diffused among our churches. Shall we not do all we can to give power to the principles which Christ brought to this world? Shall we not strive to establish and give efficiency to the benevolent enterprises which are now called for without delay? As you stand before the cross, and see the Prince of heaven dying for you, can you seal your heart, saying, “No; I have nothing to give”? {CS 16.1}
Christ’s believing people are to perpetuate His love. This love is to draw them together around the cross. It is to divest them of all selfishness, and bind them to God and to one another. {CS 16.2}
Meet around the cross of Calvary in self-sacrifice and self-denial. God will bless you as you do your best. As you approach the throne of grace, as you find yourself bound to this throne by the golden chain let down from heaven to earth, to draw men from the pit of sin, your heart will go out in love for your brethren and sisters who are without God and without hope in the world.—Testimonies for the Church 9:253-256. {CS 16.3}
One of our Presidents stated, “Ask not what my country can do for me, but ask what I can do for my country?” This is not a new idea. It has been ours since the beginning of time when God’s Word was given to us for instruction. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is another instruction from the Word of God---love thy neighbor as thyself. At Calvary, self-sacrifice and self-denial were demonstrated by the love that Christ Jesus has for us all, to rid ourselves of all selfishness that we may love God and one another. God will bless you when you do your best to help those who are without God and hope in the world. Pray that God will give you power to give power to the principles that He established out of love for His people.
Dear God,
We thank You for all the love You continue to demonstrate towards us each and every day. For taking care of all our needs in abundance. We pray that out of our abundance, that we may be able to help those who do not know You nor all of the wonderful promises they can claim when they surrender their life to You. We pray for Your power from on high to give efficiency to the benevolent enterprises which we are called to do. Help us to perpetuate Your love towards one another by helping those who are in need. We repent and ask for the forgiveness of our sins. It’s in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
