Beginning of the End

The Secret of Prosperity

The wise man Solomon says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24). The apostle Paul teaches the same lesson in the New Testament: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ... God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). BOE 265.1

God intended that Israel would be light bearers to all the earth. The Lord has decreed that the spreading of light and truth in the earth will depend on the witness and offerings of those who have received the heavenly gift. He could have made angels the ambassadors of His truth, but in His love and wisdom He invited men and women to become co-workers with Himself, by choosing them to do this work. BOE 265.2

In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings were needed to maintain the divine service. Should the people of God in this age give less? Christ laid down the principle that our offerings to God should be in proportion to the light and privileges that are ours. “Everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” (Luke 12:48). “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). Since we have before us the matchless sacrifice of the glorious Son of God, shouldn’t our gratitude reveal itself in more generous gifts? BOE 265.3

The work of the gospel, as it grows wider, requires greater financial support to support it than was called for anciently. This makes the law of tithes and offerings even more crucial today. If God’s people were to support His cause generously by voluntary gifts, He would be honored and many more people would be won to Christ. BOE 265.4

The plan of Moses to raise means for the building of the tabernacle was highly successful. He did not make a grand feast. He did not invite the people to scenes of laughter, dancing, and amusement, and he did not hold lotteries. The Lord directed Moses to accept gifts from everyone who gave willingly, from the heart, and the offerings came in such great amounts that Moses told the people to stop giving, for they had given more than could be used. BOE 265.5

God has made us His managers. The Lord says, “Those who honor Me, I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30). “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), and when His people bring their gifts and offerings to Him with grateful hearts, “not grudgingly or of necessity,” His blessing will be with them, as He has promised. BOE 265.6