Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 13—Paul’s Recognition of the System
In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gave the believers instruction regarding the general principles underlying the support of God’s work in the earth. Writing of his apostolic labors in their behalf, he inquired: {CS 69.3}
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. {CS 69.4}
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things,” the apostle further inquired, “is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:7-14. {CS 70.1}
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. If you are a preacher, a teacher, or an evangelist, sow the seed of the gospel, do it willingly, and attain an incorruptible crown. Do not abuse the power of the gospel. Support the work of the church by your labors. Do not use the church funds for your own purposes; they are reserved for the Lord’s work. Sow spiritual things; do not hinder the gospel of Christ. God has ordained that they, which preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. Strive for the mastery and be temperate in all things. Follow God’s principles that underlie the support of God’s work for you here on earth. Bless others, and you will be blessed.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We are so thankful and grateful for the instruction provided to us for the benefit of humanity. We pray for the strength to continue in our labors to support the church and those in need. We thank You for all the provisions given us for daily living. We thank You for the everlasting gospel, our instruction manual for life. Help us sow the seed of the gospel that none should perish but have everlasting life. May we all live of the gospel of Christ. Help us to be temperate in all things as we follow Your principles in doing the work You have appointed for us to do while here on earth. May we bless others as You bless us. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
