Are Your Accounts Square With God?
To: GOD I. O. U. (I Owe You) the total sum of $150.00 for past due tithe.
''Spirit of the pioneers" - is it still alive today?
During a Stewardship Emphasis Series in the early church at Battle Creek, Michigan, the spirit of God fell upon many of those present. They began to confess that they had been robbing God in tithe and offerings. One man went to Sister White and asked, "What shall I do?"
She answered, "Give your note to the treasurer of the church; that will be businesslike."
At first, he thought that was rather strange advice; but he sat down and began to write," 'For value received, I promise to pay-' He looked up, as if to say, 'Is that the proper form in which to write out a note to the Lord?'
" 'Yes,' he continued, 'for value received. Have I not been receiving the blessings of God day after day? Have not the angels guarded me? Has not the Lord blessed me with all spiritual and temporal blessings?'
"After doing all he could do on his part, he was a happy man. In a few days he took up his note and paid his tithe into the treasury." CS, 95, 96.
We would do well to heed Paul's admonition: "Examine yourselves." II Cor. 13:5. Have we placed God first in the use of time, in the exercise of our talents, and in the distribution of money He has given us?
If there is a slackness in our relationship to God, let us make the appropriate changes in our life styles. If hard feelings exist between us and someone else, if sins are indulged, if commitments are unfulfilled, there is no better time than now to make things right. In every area of our lives, let us clean up, make up, pay up, and stand up for Jesus.
Let the "Spirit of The Pioneers" be visible in our lives and help meet the needs of God's cause. As "users" of life, we have many accounts with God. It is square up time! Are all of our accounts square with God?
"Like our first parents, many reach out their hands for the portion which belongs to God." R&H, May 16, 1882. Many neglect to regularly return a faithful tithe to the Lord. Frequently the amount of this neglected tithe increases until it is viewed as a large, unobtainable sum of money. Often the question is raised: "How can I return the tithe I have held back from God?"
God does not require the impossible. He does, however, expect each of us as His partners to do our very best. Neglecting to return the full amount of the tithe when income is received not only disappoints God but destroys the basis upon which a thriving partnership is established. If the tithe is not returned when income is received, then it does become a debt which we owe the Lord, and it should be paid.
"Let each ask himself the question, 'How much do I owe my Lord.'" 4T, 484. What available resources do I have to make restitution? God will guide when I go to Him in confession and prayer.
Some may specify an extra amount to add to their current weekly or monthly tithe, until the back tithe has been paid in full. God will accept this plan if it represents your best possible effort. Others may prefer to settle with God the entire back tithe at one time.
Whichever method you follow, you can be sure God does care, and He will fulfill His promise of a blessing or a curse. He promises a blessing if we return His tithe. (Mal. 3: 10) He promises a curse if we do not return His tithe. (Mal. 3:8,9) "There are many who will not be blessed till they make restitution of the tithe which they have withheld. God is waiting for you to redeem the past." CS, 87.
Do not neglect or delay any longer! You will have peace of mind and true Christian joy once you put forward your best efforts in restoring God's holy tithe. Then you can claim the promise:
"Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing." Mal. 3:10, RSV.
Article taken from brochure previously printed by the Department of Stewardship and Development
