Neglect and Its Consequences
By George A. Irwin
“THEREFORE we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.” Heb. 2: 1-4. Forgetfulness and neglect seem to have been prominent traits in the character of God's people in all ages. As we read our Bibles, we are impressed with the frequency with which the Lord seemed to be compelled to call the attention of his people to their duties and obligations in order that they might co-operate with him in their own personal salvation, as well as in the extension of the knowledge of his saving truth to the people of earth. As we contemplate the serious consequences which have resulted from neglect, and what we are even now compelled to endure as a result of it, we stand appalled. We are told that “had the purpose of God been carried out by his people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.” How sad the thought that we are still compelled to wander in this wilderness world, when, had we been faithful, we might have been enjoying the glories of the heavenly city. It is not only sad to contemplate what we have missed, but also the length of time that will still elapse before the saints will receive their reward, unless there is a speedy and general revival of the true missionary spirit all along the line. The following reasons why we are in our present condition are pointed out by the Testimonies:— The work of God, which should be going forward with tenfold its present strength and efficiency, is kept back, like a spring season by the chilling blasts of winter, because some of God's people are appropriating to themselves the means that should be dedicated to his service. Because Christ's self-sacrificing love is not interwoven in the life practises, the church is weak where it should be strong. By its own course it has put out its light, and robbed millions of the gospel of Christ. 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 giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God. “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The following additional instruction in regard to tithes and offerings and their proper use, is a clear statement of our obligations as stewards of God's bounties:— Not only does the Lord claim the tithe as his own, but he tells us how it should be reserved as his. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase.” This does not teach that we are to spend our means ourselves, and bring to the Lord the remnant, even though it be otherwise an honest tithe. Let God's portion be first set apart. The directions given by the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, in regard to gifts, presents a principle that applies also to tithing. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” Parents and children are here included. Not only the rich, but the poor are addressed. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart [through the candid consideration of God's prescribed plan], so let him give; not grudgingly, nor of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” The gifts are to be made in consideration of the great goodness of God to us. Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe to use according to their judgment. They are not to use it for themselves in any emergency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even in what they may regard as the Lord's work. God has shown honor to men in taking them into partnership with himself in the great work of redemption. He expects his agents to labor, not against him, but in unison7with him that his treasury may be supplied. The minister should, by precept and example, teach the people to regard the tithe as sacred. He should not feel that he can retain and apply it according to his own judgment because he is a minister. It is not his. He is not at liberty to devote to himself whatever he thinks is his due. Let him not give his influence to any plans for diverting from their legitimate use the tithes and offerings dedicated to God. Let them be placed in his treasury, and held sacred for God's service as he has appointed. The tithe is God's portion, not at all the property of man, and the Scripture declares that he who withholds it is guilty of robbery. Who, then, will stand with clean hands before the Lord? The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who are bearing God's message to the world, and it should not be diverted from this purpose. Let the church appoint pastors or elders who are devoted to the Lord Jesus, and let these men see that officers are chosen who will attend faithfully to the work of gathering in the tithe. If the pastors show that they are not fitted for their charge, if they fail to set before the church the importance of returning to God his own, they do not see to it that the officers under them are faithful, and that the tithe is brought in, they are in peril. They are neglecting a matter which involves a blessing or a curse to the church. They should be relieved of their responsibility, and other men should be tested and tried. The Lord's messengers should see that his requirements are faithfully discharged by the members of the churches. God says that there should be meat in his house, and if the money in his treasury is tampered with, if it is regarded right for individuals to make what use they like of the tithe, the Lord can not bless. He can not sustain those who think that they can do as they please with that which is his. God grant that each of us may be faithful in returning to God his own in tithes and offerings in this time of test and proving, so that the Lord may soon entrust us with the true riches.