p. 15 | Rich Toward God

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 16, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 50.

Rich Toward God

“Rich Toward God.”—It is not a crime to produce or acquire wealth as long as it is done justly, manfully, righteously, with due regard to the rights of every one engaged in it. The ability to acquire wealth is one of the precious gifts of God, that He may be better served thereby. “Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.” See Deut. 8:11-19. The use to put these riches to is thus set forth: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [ready to sympathize, margin, R. V.]; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” This is the duty, as it is the salvation, of the men whom God has given ability to make money. Let them do good with it, be rich in good works, ready to distribute; let them see Christ in the suffering needy all around them. Let them not lay up treasure for themselves, but be “rich toward God.” In ministering to the poor, in giving liberally to God’s cause, in helping the worthy, oftentimes at a loss here, they lay up a better foundation than this earth affords; they deposit in a bank that will never fail or be looted or robbed. Let the poor use the gifts that God has given him; mourning not to be rich, envying not. Let God be glorified in all. If thus we do, all may be rich with the exceeding riches of God’s grace, and in the eternal inheritance and joy of souls saved to all eternity.