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BY
ROBERTO M. DUARTE—writing
from U.S.A.
lay Bible worker was studying the Scriptures with an interested soul,
whose name was Jane. The subject of tithing had been entered upon
during the course of studies. The verse was cited, "Bring ye all the
tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that
there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10).
After
about a year, Jane declared, "I know now that this verse is true—exactly
as it is written."
"Why?"
asked the layworker.
"For several
years, my husband and I were not able to have any children. We wanted
a baby so much, but for whatever reason, we could never have one.
But now that we have been returning our tithe . . ." she beamed with
great delight as she gazed fondly upon her big, healthy, beautiful
newborn, "God has opened the windows of heaven, and poured me out
a blessing—and now there isn't room enough in the house for all
these baby things!"
A few
weeks later, however, Jane made another comment about tithing, explaining
one concern, "I am convinced that we are blessed by tithing just based
on the miracle of our baby. But my husband would be better convinced
if he could see some evidence in the form of actual cash."
So, together
with the layworker, she prayed. Within a few short months, Jane and
her husband were contacted by an insurance company and were granted
a huge payoff, totally unexpected. The amount had apparently been
due to them for many years but had long since been deemed impossible
ever to collect. For years, all appeals for it had been utterly in
vain. Now the bounty which suddenly fell into their hands amounted
to quite a generous sum—around 1000% of all that they had returned
to the Lord in tithe.
Systematic
benevolence
"The last
merciful message is entrusted to God's humble, faithful servants of
this time. God has led along those who would not shun responsibility,
and has laid burdens upon them, and has through them presented to
His people a plan of systematic benevolence in which all can engage
and work in harmony. This system has been carried out and has worked
like magic. It liberally sustains the preachers and the cause. As
soon as the preachers ceased their opposition and stood out of the
way, the people heartily responded to the call and prized the system.
Everything is made convenient and easy for the preachers that they
may work, free from embarrassment. Our people have taken hold with
a will and an interest which is not to be found among any other class."1
"Our heavenly
Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich
Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system
of beneficence was just what man needed."2
The
plan in early Adventism
"As reported
by J. N. Loughborough, several workers, including J. N. Andrews, who
was summoned for the purpose, met for two days in Battle Creek to
study a Bible-based system of finance for the emerging church."3
The plan
which they developed was published in the Review and Herald, February
3, 1859, opening with the following words:
"Dear
Brethren and Sisters: We wish to call your attention to a plan of
Systematic Benevolence to support the proclamation of the third angel's
message, which may be in harmony with the plain declarations of Holy
Scripture."
"With
the citing of New Testament support, a scriptural framework was assembled
for the projected procedures, and it was suggested that 'we gather
from these facts some instruction relative to our own duty.' The pioneers
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church could have gone more easily to
the Old Testament and brought in the obligation of the tithe, but
at this juncture, regardless of the attractiveness of the tithe, they
were not sure that it was not one of those ceremonial obligations
that ceased at the cross. In the occasional mention of organization
they were looking to the New Testament with its seven deacons, not
to the Old Testament with the appointment by Moses of the seventy.
In finance they were looking to the New Testament and Paul's counsel
in 1 Corinthians 16:2 that 'upon the first day of the week let every
one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,' rather
than to Malachi's direction to 'bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house' (Malachi 3:10). They conceded
that the tithing system was a good plan, and it did have a strong
bearing on the conclusions reached and set before the church. Here
is the argument set forth in the address:
" 'If
Paul found it essential to complete success that method should be
observed in raising means for benevolent purposes, it is certainly
not unreasonable to conclude that we should find the same thing beneficial
in promoting a similar object. As Paul wrote by the inspiration of
the Holy Spirit, we may rest assured that his suggestions were not
only safe to follow, and calculated to ensure success, but also that
they were in exact accordance with the will of God. We shall not therefore
displease Him by adopting the suggestions of His servant Paul.' .
. .
"The next
paragraph delineated the points supported by Scripture, which it was
thought should form the basis for the plan Sabbathkeeping Adventists
ought to follow:
" 'Upon
the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store
as God hath prospered him.' This implies: 1. A stated time for the
business, viz., the first day of the week. 2. The concurrent action
of each individual, for he adds, 'Let every one of you' lay by him
in store. 3. This is not a public collection, but a private act of
setting apart for the Lord a portion of what one possesses. 4. The
amount to be given is brought home to the conscience of each individual
by the language, 'as God hath prospered him.' "4
"Systematic
Benevolence was early endorsed by Ellen White, and she linked it with
the tithe. First she assured the church in June, 1859, 'The plan of
systematic benevolence is pleasing to God' (1T, p. 190), and then
in January, 1861, in a Testimony article entitled 'Systematic Benevolence,'
she wrote: 'Rob not God by withholding from Him your tithes and offerings.'
The article closed with Malachi 3:8-11 quoted in full (Ibid., pp.
221, 222). At the outset there was no separation of tithes from offerings.
The demand for funds was mainly for the support of the ministers and
the evangelistic outreach.
"Some
years later, in an article published in the Testimonies entitled 'Tithes
and Offerings,' Ellen White wrote of Systematic Benevolence:
" 'The
special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as
enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing
to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it
be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time.'—3T,
pp. 404, 405.
"There
were developments through the years, as the work of the church broadened,
that called for a separation of funds into two groups, 'tithes' and
'offerings.' Also the precise use of the tithe, sacred to the support
of the ministry of the church, was repeatedly brought to the attention
of the leaders and members."5
"The method
of reckoning the tithe was, in the year 1876, discerned to be actually
one tenth of the income to the individual from whatever source it
might come. . . . A pamphlet entitled 'Systematic Benevolence, or
The Bible Plan of Supporting the Ministry,' published in 1878 by the
Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, states the matter concisely
in a question and an answer: 'How much ought I to give for the support
of the gospel?'
" 'After
carefully viewing the subject from all points, we answer, a tithe
of all our income.'"6
"It is
God who blesses men with property, and He does this that they may
be able to give toward the advancement of His cause. He sends the
sunshine and the rain. He causes vegetation to flourish. He gives
health and the ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from
His bountiful hand. In turn, He would have men and women show their
gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in
thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. Should
means flow into the treasury in accordance with this divinely appointed
plan—a tenth of all the increase, and liberal offerings—there
would be an abundance for the advancement of the Lord's work."7
A
testing truth
"The greatest
sin which now exists in the church is covetousness. God frowns upon
His professed people for their selfishness."8
"There
is order in heaven, and God is well pleased with the efforts of His
people in trying to move with system and order in His work on earth.
I saw that there should be order in the church of God, and that system
is needed in carrying forward successfully the last great message
of mercy to the world. God is leading His people in the plan of systematic
benevolence, and this is one of the very points to which God is bringing
up His people which will cut the closest with some. With them this
cuts off the right arm, and plucks out the right eye, while to others
it is a great relief. To noble, generous souls the demands upon them
seem very small, and they cannot be content to do so little. Some
have large possessions, and if they lay by them in store for charitable
purposes as God has prospered them, the offering seems to them like
a large sum. The selfish heart clings as closely to a small offering
as to a larger one, and makes a small sum look very large. . . .
"You profess
to believe the truth; let your works testify to the fact. Unless your
faith works, it is dead. Nothing but a living faith will save you
in the fearful scenes which are just before you.
"I saw
that it is time for those who have large possessions to begin to work
fast. It is time that they were not only laying by them in store as
God is now prospering them, but as He has prospered them. In the days
of the apostles, plans were especially laid that some should not be
eased and others burdened. Arrangements were made that all should
share equally in the burdens of the church of God according to their
several abilities. Said the angel: 'The ax must be laid at the root
of the tree.' Those who, like Judas, have set their hearts upon earthly
treasure will complain as he did. His heart coveted the costly ointment
poured upon Jesus, and he sought to hide his selfishness under a pious,
conscientious regard for the poor: 'Why was not this ointment sold
for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?' He wished that he
had the ointment in his possession; it would not thus be lavished
upon the Saviour. He would apply it to his own use; sell it for money.
He prized his Lord just enough to sell Him to wicked men for a few
pieces of silver. As Judas brought up the poor as an excuse for his
selfishness, so professed Christians, whose hearts are covetous, will
seek to hide their selfishness under a put-on conscientiousness. Oh,
they fear that in adopting systematic benevolence we are becoming
like the nominal churches! 'Let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth.' They seem to have a conscientious desire to follow exactly
the Bible as they understand it in this matter; but they entirely
neglect the plain admonition of Christ: 'Sell that ye have, and give
alms.'
" 'Take
heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them.' Some
think this text teaches that they must be secret in their works of
charity. And they do but very little, excusing themselves because
they do not know just how to give. But Jesus explained it to His disciples
as follows: 'Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a
trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in
the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you,
they have their reward.' They gave to be regarded noble and generous
by men. They received praise of men, and Jesus taught His disciples
that this was all the reward they would have. With many, the left
hand does not know what the right hand does, for the right hand does
nothing worthy of the notice of the left hand. This lesson of Jesus
to His disciples was to rebuke those who wished to receive glory of
men. They performed their almsgiving at some very public gathering;
and before doing this, a public proclamation was made heralding their
generosity before the people; and many gave large sums merely to have
their name exalted by men. And the means given in this manner was
often extorted from others, by oppressing the hireling in his wages,
and grinding the face of the poor.
"I was
shown that this scripture does not apply to those who have the cause
of God at heart, and use their means humbly to advance it. I was directed
to these texts: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'
'By their fruits ye shall know them.' I was shown that Scripture testimony
will harmonize when it is rightly understood. The good works of the
children of God are the most effectual preaching that the unbeliever
has. He thinks that there must be strong motives that actuate the
Christian to deny self, and use his possessions in trying to save
his fellow men. It is unlike the spirit of the world. Such fruits
testify that the possessors are genuine Christians. They seem to be
constantly reaching upward to a treasure that is imperishable."9
"Home
missionaries and foreign missionaries are needed, and there cannot
be too large a number. Everything we do should be done with reference
to the salvation of souls, the glory of God.
"There
should be no extravagance in building fine homes, in buying costly
furniture, in indulging in worldly dress, or in providing luxurious
food; but in everything let us think of the souls for whom Christ
has died. Let selfishness and pride die. Let none continue to expend
means to multiply pictures to be sent to their friends. Let us save
every dollar that can be saved, that the matchless charms of Christ
may be presented before the souls of the perishing. Satan will suggest
many ways in which you may expend money. But if it is spent for self-gratification—for
unnecessary things, no matter how trifling their cost—it is not
spent for the glory of God. Let us look well to this matter, and see
if we are denying ourselves as we should. Are we making sacrifices,
that we may send the light of truth to the lost? . . .
"Each
one should strive to do for Jesus all that it is possible for him
to do, by personal effort, by gifts, by sacrifices. There should be
meat in the house of the Lord, and that means a full treasury, that
responses may be made to Macedonian cries coming from every land.
How pitiful it is that we are obliged to say to these who cry for
help, 'We cannot send you men or money. We have an empty treasury.'
Let all the pennies, dimes, and dollars that are lost to the cause
through selfish love of pleasure, through desire to meet the world's
standard, through love of ease, be turned into the channel that flows
to God's treasury. It is the rills flowing into one that finally make
the river. Let us be conscientious Christians, be laborers together
with God.
"Why is
it that there is so little genuine love for Christ in the church?—It
is because the love of self has taken the place of love for Him who
died on Calvary's cross for the sins of the world. Let us be of one
heart, of one mind, and let us draw near to God, that he may draw
near to us, and fill us with his intense love for perishing souls.
Let every heart beat in unison, in interest for the cause of Christ.
New fields of work must be opened, souls are to be added to the faith,
new names will appear on the church records—names that will appear
in the immortal records in heaven. O that we might realize what might
be done with the money expended for the gratification of self!"10
Perhaps
we can learn something from the attitude of a little girl who had
received ten coins as a gift. Her father was teaching her about the
principle of tithing, and he spread out the coins on the table, separating
one coin from the rest.
"My daughter,"
he explained, "all of these coins are really God's. He is the One
that has supplied them for you to use as His steward. This one will
be for Him, and the rest for you."
"But,
Daddy, if they are all God's, then He should get the big pile, and
I'll just take the one."
"No, my
dear, that is not necessary. He is willing to give you the big pile
and He asks only that you reserve the one for Him."
"Oh, Daddy,
that is so kind of Him! Then let's be sure to pick out the brightest
and most beautiful coin of all for God!"
Are we
this eager to give so lovingly our best portion to God, or do we often
come up with hardhearted excuses?
Lame
excuses
"Some
have not come up and united in the plan of systematic benevolence,
excusing themselves because they were not free from debt. They plead
that they must first 'owe no man anything.' But the fact that they
are in debt does not excuse them. I saw that they should render to
Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are
God's. Some feel conscientious to 'owe no man anything,' and think
that God can require nothing of them until their debts are all paid.
Here they deceive themselves. They fail to render to God the things
that are His. Everyone must bring to the Lord a suitable offering.
Those who are in debt should take the amount of their debts from what
they possess, and give a proportion of the remainder.
"Some
have felt under sacred obligations to their children. They must give
each a portion, but feel themselves unable to raise means to aid the
cause of God. They make the excuse that they have a duty to their
children. This may be right, but their first duty is to God. Render
unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that
are God's. Rob not God by withholding from Him your tithes and offerings.
It is the first sacred duty to render to God a suitable proportion.
Let no one throw in his claims and lead you to rob God. Let not your
children steal your offering from God's altar for their own benefit.
"I saw
that anciently the covetousness of some led them to withhold a suitable
proportion; they made their offering stinted. This was recorded in
heaven, and they were cursed in their harvest and their flocks just
as they withheld. Some were visited with affliction in their families.
God would not accept a lame offering. It must be without blemish,
the best of their flocks, and the best fruits of their fields. And
it must be a freewill offering, if they would have the blessing of
the Lord rest upon their families and their possessions. . . .
"In the
arrangement of systematic benevolence, hearts will be tested and proved.
It is a constant, living test. It brings one to understand his own
heart, to see whether the truth or the love of the world predominates."11
A
blessing in store
Brothers
and sisters, our heart is being tested. There is a message that needs
to circle the globe—the entire earth—the message of the
first, second, and third angels. It must go to the whole world—to
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This will require faithful
tithes and an abundance of not merely generous, but truly sacrificial,
freewill offerings. The population of an entire planet must be reached—what
a multitude! It's an impossible task! Yet how reminiscent it is of
one late afternoon in the life of Jesus, when Andrew, the disciple,
bemoaned: "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and
two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9).
Indeed
we might echo in our day, "what are they among so many?" Likewise
today, there is a people with very few loaves, fishes, or dollars
on hand. They are described as "an afflicted and poor people, and
they shall trust in the name of the Lord" (Zephaniah 3:12). Yet just
as in the case of the lad who brought his lunch to the Miracle-worker,
these meager means can be multiplied. Just as the disciples were bidden
to divide the people into organized companies and distribute the food
Christ had blessed, so today God's servants can miraculously spread
their Lord's message through His plan of systematic benevolence. God
declares, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it
shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which
I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah
55:11).
In the
miracle of the loaves, twelve baskets of fragments remained after
the multitude had been fed. So it will be today. Remember Jane, that
soul in our day who hungered after the present truth, in whom new
life literally sprang forth through faith in God's promises. He has
many such souls out there. Shall we exercise such faith to ensure
that they hear the message? Beloved, the day is far spent; the night
is at hand. Like the young lad whose faith at the close of the day
brought a blessing to so many, let us each make haste in bringing
our barley loaves to Jesus!
_________________________
1 Testimonies,
vol. 1, pp. 375, 376.
2 Ibid., vol. 3, p. 405.
3 Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Early Years, vol.
1, p. 388.
4 Ibid., pp. 389, 390 (italics in the original).
5 Ibid., p. 393 (italics in the original).
6 Testimonies to Ministers, p. 523 (appendix note to p. 27).
7 The Acts of the Apostles, p. 75.
8 Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 194.
9 Ibid., pp. 191–194 (italics in the original).
10 The Review and Herald, January 27, 1891.
11 Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 220, 221.
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