The faithful steward : $b or, systematic beneficence an essential of Christian characterClark, Sereno D. (Sereno Dickenson)
Religion
The faithful steward : $b or, systematic beneficence an essential of Christian character
Clark, Sereno D. (Sereno Dickenson)
Christian stewardship; Finance, Personal -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
The results of this principle would indeed be most happy, on whatever
ground the previous arrangements should be made. In the first place, it
would greatly increase the sum total of our contributions to the Lord.
It would be acting on an acknowledged maxim in the acquisition of
wealth. We know if we have a debt of ten dollars, an hundred dollars,
or any sum within our possible ability to pay, the money will be by some
means obtained; whereas, otherwise it will be extremely liable to be
consumed in the ordinary flow of expenses. Thriving men, sometimes on
this principle, keep constantly a little debt by the purchase of
valuable property, knowing that it will stimulate their industry and
frugality to meet the anticipated payment. Here men are not afraid to
trust the past goodness of the Lord; why will they not be equally wise
and confiding in the godlike work of benevolence?
It would also deepen our sense of personal devotement to Christ; leading
us constantly to feel that our minds employed in planning, and our hands
engaged in labor, are the Lord's, and must be used in his service. It
would likewise promote the ease and cheerfulness with which our
appropriations would be made, and materially enhance our enjoyment, in a
work which, though self-denying, brings us into intimate fellowship and
cooperation with our blessed Lord. Even when engaged in our most
ordinary avocations, it would induce the impression that we are laboring
for Christ as well as for ourselves; and thus procuring the means of
extending the glorious gospel, whose precious promises are our daily
support and joy, and which opens to our view, beyond the skies, the
crown and the harp, with which we hope to bow before the throne, when
our bodies are crumbling in the grave. What greater happiness can
the Christian experience on earth than the continued consciousness of
co-working with his Saviour in diffusing through the world these richest
enjoyments of our being, and kindling anthems whose enrapturing notes
shall never falter?
Thus, if we would make antecedent provisions for charity; if we would
exercise suitable self-denial, forethought, and confidence in God; if we
would _contrive_ as earnestly to save something for munificence, as we
do to hoard, our sources of charity would be replenished; we should
seldom be unable to make, at frequently recurring periods, either actual
or pledged appropriations, and be happy in our work.
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