The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

Self-Interest First

A Testimony in Volume I of the “Testimonies” shows the outward working of Satan’s plan, where it says of some professing Sabbath-keepers: “They make self and self-interest first, and then they do for the cause what they think they can as well as not. Such a sacrifice, I saw, is lame, and not accepted of God. All should be interested to do their utmost to advance the cause. I saw that those who have no property, but have strength of body, are accountable to God for their strength. They should be diligent in business, and fervent in spirit; they should not leave those that have possessions to do all the sacrificing. I saw that they can sacrifice, and that it is their duty to do so, as well as those who have property.... COOD 106.2

“Selfishness and covetousness can be overcome.... By laying all their possessions upon the altar of God, and when they see where means are needed to advance the cause of truth and to help the widow, the fatherless, and afflicted, they should give cheerfully, and thus lay up treasure in heaven.”-Pages 115, 142. COOD 106.3