Testimony Treasures, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

the divine claim upon me and my property? There is work to be done now to
make ready a people to stand in the day of the Lord. Means must be invested
in the work of saving men, who, in turn, shall work for others. Be prompt in
rendering to God His own. One reason why there is so great a dearth of the
Spirit of God is that so many are robbing God.
There is a lesson for us in the experience of the churches of Macedonia,
as described by Paul. He says that they "first gave their own selves to the
Lord." 2 Corinthians 8:5. Then they were eager to give their means for
Christ. "In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear
record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift." 2 Corinthians
8:2-4.
The Rule for Giving
Paul lays down a rule for giving to God's cause, and tells us what the
result will be both in regard to ourselves and to God. "Every man according
as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver." "This I say, He which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully." "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(... Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which
causeth through us thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
We are not to feel that we can do or give anything that will entitle us to
the favor of God. Says the apostle: "What hast thou that thou didst not
receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not
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