Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

of God, He has purposely arranged for our good. He has honored us by
making us co-workers with Him. He has ordained that there should be a
necessity for the co-operation of men, that they may keep in exercise their
benevolence.
The moral law enjoined the observance of the Sabbath, which was not a
burden except when that law was transgressed and they were bound by the
penalties involved in breaking it. The tithing system was no burden to those
who did not depart from the plan. The system enjoined upon the Hebrews
has not been repealed or relaxed by the One who originated it. Instead of
being of no force now, it was to be more fully carried out and more
extended, as salvation through Christ alone should be more fully brought to
light in the Christian age.
The gospel, extending and widening, required greater provisions to
sustain the warfare after the death of Christ, and this made the law of
almsgiving a more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government.
Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other period of the
world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should
be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said: "For unto
whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Luke 12:48.
A flood of light is shining from the word of God, and there must be an
awakening to neglected opportunities. When all are faithful in giving back to
God His own in tithes and offerings, the way will be opened for the world to
hear the message for this time. If the hearts of God's people were filled with
love for Christ, if every church member were thoroughly imbued with the
spirit of self-sacrifice, if all manifested thorough earnestness, there would be
no lack of funds for home or foreign missions. Our resources would be
multiplied; a thousand doors of usefulness would be opened, and we should
be invited to enter. Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in
360