The selfish heart likes to receive rather than to give but we are told in Psalm 96:7–9, “Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come into His courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth.” The spirit of heaven is to give. All that man is, hopes to be, or may possess of life and happiness, is a gift from God. It is Godlike to give; for it is of love, for love gives and gives. Therefore, true worship loves and gives.
“This is seen in Noah and his family as they came forth from the ark, their hearts swelling with gratitude that they could set their feet on the earth again. It was not enough that this righteous man should lift his voice in thanksgiving for his deliverance, for past mercies and blessings, but he must then give more tangible evidence of his gratitude than words could express. He must make a burnt offering of a seventh part of the clean animals unto the Lord, as it is written: ‘And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar, and the Lord smelled a sweet savor.’ Genesis 8:20–21.” –Sabbath School Lesson, September 2, 1905, p. 22
The offerings we give on the Sabbath should be special and from our hearts when compared with offerings we make on other days. The Lord commanded the children of Israel in Numbers 28:2–6, 9–10. “Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and My bread for My sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto Me, shall ye observe to offer unto Me in their due season. And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD. And on the Sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: This is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and His drink offering.”
The Sabbath offerings connected with the sanctuary service were twice as much as on other days.
There are about thirty thousand International Missionary Society Seventh-day Adventist Reformers in the world. If each of us brought to the Lord a weekly Sabbath offering as the Lord had prospered, we would have at least:
2,000 giving $2.00 each Sabbath; for the year, $208,000
2,000 “ 1.00 “ “ “ 104,000
1,000 “ .50 “ “ “ 26,000
5,000 “ .25 “ “ “ 65,000
15,000 “ .10 “ “ “ 78,000
5,000 “ .05 “ “ “ 13,000
Or a total for the year of: $494,000
None would be the poorer for this offering, nor would this affect their tithe.
Could we as a people commit ourselves for one whole year collectively to make this sacrifice? We would dedicate this money to places like Haiti, some places in Africa, Asia and other places that are in need.
The time in which we live is very short and the Church of God has a great work to do before the end comes; we must give from our hearts like the poor widow in Mark 12:41–44. “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Our offerings will be acceptable to the Creator of heaven and earth. Why? When they are sacrificial.
In 2 Samuel 24:24 it says that King David said unto Araunah, “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
Like David, our offerings unto the Lord must cost us because the class of persons the Lord will receive into His kingdom are those that have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice (Psalm 50:3–5).
Why has Christ warned His people against covetousness in His word?
“And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” 1 Timothy 6:9–11
“Covetousness is an unlawful desire. It is classed among the worst of sins, for it is directly opposed to every principle of the gospel of Christ. The plan of salvation rests wholly on Heaven’s gift to man. It was a gift of infinite love, and was at an infinite sacrifice. When there is one single prompting of that spirit in the soul, it so far makes men unselfish and generous. The two spirits are as far apart as Heaven and hell, as light and darkness.
“No man possessing the spirit of covetousness is fit to bear any responsibility in a work as sacred as that which is laid in such an infinite cost. Every attempt to advance it by such a person would only mar the work. Our efforts are weakened by such a spirit. It paralyzes the greatest effort. But the smallest act and the feeblest effort clothed with the spirit of appreciation of the gift of Heaven, has a power beyond description. It conquers Satan every time, and only works good.
“God would have His people despise covetousness, and cultivate the opposite spirit.” –Sabbath School Lesson, July 23, 1889, p. 6
“We are naturally selfish, but the grace of Christ is unselfish. It is a heavenly plant growing only in that heart which has been renewed. It is a jealous principle, and will admit of no rival. It makes a lovely character, admired by all. It cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. The unconverted heart cannot originate or produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.
“If this spirit of unselfishness is nourished, it will prove an evergreen. Its branches will not decay; its leaves will not wither. It is immortal, eternal, watered continually with the dews of Heaven. But covetousness is the reverse of all this. It withers the soul; dries up every liberal feeling; paralyzes unselfish emotions; prevents every generous act, and while it may say, Yes, yes, to the opposite principles, there is nothing that can move the individual to action. This is covetousness. It should be hated as we would hate poison, and dreaded as we would dread the bite of a deadly viper. It should not be so much as named among saints.” –Sabbath School Lesson, July 23, 1889 p. 7
In 1 Corinthians 5:11 we are told not to keep company or even eat with certain characters and amongst them are mentioned covetous persons. This means that such persons should not be walking in church-fellowship and eating at the communion table. No stronger language could be used to show how God regards that sin. The tenth verse shows that we will have to mingle with them in this world as long as we are in it. But to take them into Christian fellowship is contrary to the principles of this gospel of Christ.
Sister White wrote, “I saw that Satan bade his angels lay their snares especially for those who were looking for Christ’s second appearing, and keeping all the commandments of God. Satan told his angels: . . . ‘Go; make the possessors of lands and money drunk with cares. . . . They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money than for the success of Christ’s kingdom or the spread of the truths we hate. Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love and idolize it. We must keep in our ranks all the means of which we can gain control. The more means the followers of Christ devote to His service; the more will they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. As they appoint meetings in different places, we are in danger. Be very vigilant then. Cause disturbance and confusion if possible. Destroy love for one another. Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Present every plausible excuse to those who have means, lest they hand it out. Control the money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want and distress. This will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of the ground. Make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd every attraction around them, and they will be surely ours. And not only are we sure of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised to lead others to heaven. When they shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging disposition that it may be sparingly.’” –Early Writings, p. 266
A solemn charge is made to those who have been prospered in the things of this world, in 1 Timothy 6:7–19.” For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
“Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” Luke 12:33–37
My dear brothers and sisters we should give as the Lord has prospered us. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1–2
“Upon what principle can it be said that we rob God in ‘offerings,’ if God has given to man nine-tenths of his income, and has only reserved the tithe as holy to Himself? God has not specified any particular amount that man should give in offerings; yet if we do not recognize the obligation we are under to God for what He has done, and is doing for us in the gift of Jesus Christ, we show the basest ingratitude. When our friends have bestowed upon us some valuable gift, we look about us to see what we can do to reciprocate the favor. The greater the gift bestowed, the greater the sense of obligation and gratitude. If the trifling favors bestowed upon man by their fellows can call forth a return of ‘gifts’ according to the receiver’s ability, how much more should the ‘gift’ of life and redemption call forth from man constant recognition of his obligations and gratitude to his Redeemer?” –Sabbath School Lesson, September 2, 1905, p. 23–24
The Lord anciently required of His people trespass offerings, peace offerings and thank offerings and we who are living in this age of special gospel light are not under less obligations that those of a former age to make liberal offerings to God because for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. “Every blessing bestowed upon us calls for a response to the Author of all our mercies. The Christian should often review his past life, and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, ‘What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?’
“Our time, our talents, our property, should be sacredly devoted to Him who has given us these blessings in trust. Whenever a special deliverance is wrought in our behalf, or new and unexpected favors are granted us, we should acknowledge God’s goodness, not only by expressing our gratitude in words, but, like Jacob, by gifts and offerings to His cause. As we are continually receiving the blessings of God, so we are to be continually giving.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 187–188
The Lord’s Church is in need of money to help in the work in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and many other countries. The Caribbean is home to 18 British Commonwealth countries and territories and 17 of them need to hear the Third Angel’s Message. Who will give of time and money so that the message can reach these people?
May the Lord touch each heart to give sacrificially. Amen.
George Gowie
Jamaica