Is the Security Good? by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 1, 1904

Is the Security Good?

By G. B. Thompson

In Prov. 19:17 we read, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”

Those who loan money are usually careful to see that the security is good, that the return of the funds may be sure. This is a proper thing to do, of course. But with the best of care mistakes occur, and the funds which oftentimes represent much hard labor are lost. We have all had plenty of object-lessons to convince us that there is no really safe place in this world to deposit our treasures. Thieves will break through and steal.

We suggest a careful study of the preceding text in connection with the week of prayer. The cause of God needs money. The foreign mission work is sadly in need of funds. It is utterly impossible with the funds available to respond to the calls from fields which are ripe for the message. Those upon whom the responsibility rests of directing this work are perplexed beyond measure to know what to do, for the cases are urgent in the extreme. Workers are ready to go to the most distant and difficult fields, but we are told that on account of the treasury’s being practically empty, their departure must be delayed. The poverty of this branch of the work appeals to us all.

Within the ranks of this denomination there are tens of thousands of dollars, which those who profess to believe that the Lord is at the door, have loaned to banks, and on approved security to friends and neighbors. Why not this loan to God, in the sense indicated in the text? Loan it as you give to the poor, to be paid in eternity. The fact that you have it loaned shows that it is a surplus, and you do not need it. Is not the bank of heaven a safer place than the banks and the security companies of earth? The interest you will receive in eternity will be much more than the per cent you receive for your deposit here. Can we really say we have given all when we have surplus funds? Read Luke 14:33.

The Lord says he will pay you all you loan him. Please study the text at the beginning of this article. If you conclude that the security is good, make the Lord the kind of a loan this scripture calls for. A real belief of this text will result in thousands of dollars being placed for eternity in the cause of God. Instead of loaning to man, let us loan to God. In this way our deeds will testify that we believe what we profess. Prayerfully study the text.

G. B. THOMPSON.