October 24, 1901

Offerings

EGW

God asks not only the tithe, but says we are to come to Him with tithes and offerings. Some will say that this was one of the rigorous laws binding upon the Hebrews: But it was not a burden to the willing heart that loved God. It is only when the selfish nature is made stronger by withholding that which God has given us that we might bless others, that we value earthly treasures above souls, above the blessings that are for the unselfish.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 1

There are even more urgent necessities upon the Israel of God in these last days than were upon ancient Israel, for there is a great and important work to be accomplished in a very short time. God designed that the spirit of sacrifice should broaden and deepen for the closing work.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 2

As followers of Christ we do not realize our true position. We do not have correct views of our responsibilities. We are stewards of our Lord, and the interests and prosperity of His cause should receive our first and best attention. In the balances of the sanctuary our gifts are not estimated according to the amount given, but according to the self-denial, prompted by love for Christ, that the gift has cost.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 3

God would not have a forced benevolence, but one that is purely voluntary. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” The very best proof of our love for our dear Redeemer is to make offerings of our time, strength, and means to bring other souls to Him. We are to love God with all our soul, heart, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 4

Many have felt that the lot of the Israel of God was hard, because they were required to give the tithe and also make liberal offerings. An all-wise God knew what was best when He gave to His people the plan of systematic offerings. They found that when they tried to increase their possessions, by withholding from God their tithes and offerings, the effort was sure to be a failure.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 5

When we humbly use what God has given us for the honor of the Giver, we may feel at all times the peace and assurance that God's hand is over us for good; for the treasure which is used to advance the cause of God, and which is given to the needy in Christ's name, is given to Christ, and He lays it up for us in heaven. Then we grow rich. There is no danger of loss nor poverty when one has everlasting riches in heaven's bank. Covetousness is idolatry; and it was to aid us in keeping the commandments that God originated the plan for tithes and offerings.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 6

Free-will offerings of self-denial, made in faith and love to the Redeemer, will bring back blessings. Every act of liberality on the part of His saints is recorded in the books of heaven. We are to become like God. He gave all to save us.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 7

In God's system of offerings He would impress upon the minds of His people that the Lord is the great Proprietor. He must have the first place in their minds. He would have them know their dependence on Him. David well understood from whom came all his bounties. Would that those of this day who rejoice in a Saviour's love, could realize that their silver and gold, their time and strength, are the Lord's and should be used to promote His glory, not grudgingly retained to gratify self.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 8

God knows, and all who have had the experience know, that there is an elevated and permanent happiness in giving willingly and freely to bless others, which those who spend all on self-gratification, or hoard for greed of gain, can never experience. It is to bless us, to make us happy and rich, that God asks us to adopt His plan of giving. The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. Selfishness is the spirit of Satan.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 9

Can Christians of today feel God would have them give less than He asked of the Hebrews? Can those living right in the close of time be satisfied with their offerings, when not half so large as were those of the Jews? Christ's sacrificing love is revealed upon the cross. He gave all He had, even giving Himself, that man might be saved. The principle here illustrated is to give, give.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 10

God in His wise plan has made the advancement of His cause dependent upon the personal efforts and free-will offerings of the people. By giving man the opportunity of becoming a copartner in the great plan of redemption, the Lord has placed a signal honor upon him, greater than has been conferred upon the angels. They would gladly do the work that God, in His love, has made it possible for man to do.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 11

Some say: “We are tired of giving. It is the old cry, ‘Give, give.’” If we are tired of giving, we should be tired of receiving; for this is why God gives to us, that we may be channels through which His gifts may reach others, and we have the reward. As soon as we wish in our hearts that there would be no more calls to give, we virtually desire that the cause of God shall make no further progress, and that the gospel of the kingdom shall not be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, that the end may come.PUR October 24, 1901, par. 12

As we near the end, the gospel will go with greater and yet greater rapidity. And opportunities will be given us to give more and more of the means of which the Lord had made us His stewards. In this God would have us act as His colaborers. What a blessing, to be a worker and an heir with the world's Redeemer! If we suffer with Him, the promise is, we shall also reign with Him. As we hear the calls and demands being more and more urgently made for means to enter the many doors that are opening, we may know that the Lord's coming is nearing. Who would delay it by withholding for selfish gratification the means God has placed in our hands for this very work?PUR October 24, 1901, par. 13

Mrs. E. G. White