Ellen White on Tithes and Irregular Lines

Ellen White supports the use of tithe and resources for "irregular lines" when the "regular lines" have become a snare or have neglected specific fields, though she emphasizes that this work remains part of God's broader vineyard and should be directed by the Holy Spirit. 🕊️

The Failure of the Regular Lines

• Pharisaism is not extinct in the Christian world, and a course of precision has been established that hinders rather than advances God's workSpM 174.3.

• The "regular lines" have at times become full of irregular practices, including the exercise of kingly power by a few men who seek to control all means and minds20MR 142.2+1.

• Too much power has been invested in unrevived, unreformed human agencies who have used funds in a disproportionate manner, erecting expensive buildings while leaving needy places without helpSpM 174.3+1.

• When the regular lines prove to be a failure and a snare, God's people must not allow unsanctified power to continue to exercise authority14MR 204.3+1.

Working in Irregular Lines

• It is high time to work in "irregular lines" when those in the regular lines use their zeal to tear down good work already in progressSpM 194.5.

• God calls for many laborers to step out of the regular lines and engage in self-sacrificing work in neglected fields, just as Brother Shireman didSpM 195.5+1.

• Workers should not wait for a "regular process" or permission from human authorities at the heart of the work before making efforts to save souls where they areSpM 195.5+1.

• In the Southern Field, it was found impossible to gain success by confining the work to set, regular lines; therefore, workers must follow the guidance of the Lord rather than waiting for a commission from menSW December 15, 1903, par. 14+1.

• If leading men neglect their responsibility to prepare the way for the work, the workers have a perfect right to solicit help directly from the people, and this means should not necessarily pass through any office or society14LtMs, Lt 219, 1899, par. 1.

Principles of Stewardship and Support

• Every dollar of our means is a precious trust from God and should be used carefully in the work of saving men and women from ruinChS 220.6+1.

• The tithe is sacredly devoted to the work of God and the support of the ministry; it belongs to Him and should not be used for any other purposeCS 92.1+1.

• While some might suggest waiting to pay tithe until debts are canceled, our obligations to the Giver of life come first, and we should not rob God to pay men Malachi 3:8CS 92.1.

• Individuals have a personal accountability to administer the trust committed to them by God and should not bargain away their stewardship to othersSpTA09 18.3+1.

• If we find something that is after God’s order, even if it is considered "irregular" by men, it may be necessary to follow it to stay true to Bible principles20MR 142.2+1.

True Organization and Unity

• God desires a renovation of the regular lines so they are purified, refined, and bear the mold of heaven13MR 193.1+1.

• Management should be reorganized to include a broad committee of representatives from all lines of work—publishing, educational, and medical—rather than being controlled by a few minds1888 1728.1+1.

• Despite the need for irregular lines in times of crisis, the Lord has arranged for a close relationship between believers and churches so that human agencies can cooperate with the divine in an organized, well-directed effortAA 164.1.

• We must learn of Christ, who is meek and lowly in heart, to find rest and advance His kingdom in the spirit of self-sacrifice Matthew 11:2916LtMs, Lt 60, 1901, par. 6.

• The ultimate goal is to fulfill the grand commission given to every disciple, ensuring that truth reaches every place, nation, and tongueCS 289.2+1.

No, while the second tithe was intended for specific charitable and religious purposes, the support of "irregular line" workers often involved both tithes and offerings diverted from the "regular lines" when those channels failed to meet the needs of the fieldSpM 195.5+1.

The Purpose of the Second Tithe

• A second tithe was required anciently to promote the assembling of people for religious service and to provide for the poorWM 273.2+1.

• For two years, this tithe or its money equivalent was brought to the sanctuary for religious feasts where the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow would participateWM 273.2+1.

• Every third year, the second tithe was used specifically at home for charity and hospitality, ensuring that the needy within one's own gates were filled Deuteronomy 26:12PP 530.2+1.

• The primary goal of this consecration was to kill out narrowing selfishness and cultivate a noble character by keeping God's ownership of all things fresh before the mindMYP 305.1.

• While some attempted to support schools entirely through the second tithe, instruction was given that students should pay tuition, as there would be many other places to use the second tithe for earnest missionary work in new locations7MR 139.1+2.

Tithe and Irregular Lines

• When "regular lines" are characterized by unprincipled devising or when the treasury is grasped by unsanctified hands, the Lord no longer entrusts the work solely to those channelsSpTB19 18.2.

• In situations where men in responsible positions neglect to heed appeals for destitute fields, workers have a perfect right to solicit help directly from the people, and these funds should not be required to pass through any office or society14LtMs, Lt 219, 1899, par. 1.

• God calls for laborers to step out of the "regular lines" to engage in self-sacrificing work similar to that of Brother Shireman, who established work through patient labor and wrestling without waiting for a regular processSpM 195.5+2.

• Stepping into another man's field to criticize their "irregular" work is offensive to God, as those who are truly co-workers with Him will respect the results of hard labor and self-denial 1 Corinthians 3:9SpM 194.5+2.

• The Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel, regardless of whether the line is considered "regular" or "irregular" by men 1 Timothy 5:18AA 336.2.

Stewardship and Individual Responsibility

• Every person is individually responsible to God for the use of the talents and means entrusted to them9MR 344.1+2.

• Property is a talent, and stewards must use wisdom to expend as little as possible on themselves so the Lord may receive His own for blessing humanity7LtMs, Ms 11, 1892, par. 27+1.

• It is not the Lord's plan for every working agency to be under the dictation of conference officers, as some enterprises produce better results when standing alone8MR 202.3.

• Those who have been unfaithful in their stewardship by transferring money intended for one field to another object will be judged by the Lord God of Israel14LtMs, Ms 195, 1899, par. 3.

• We are laborers together with God, and our work is to be marked by strict integrity, following the light given line upon line and precept upon precept Isaiah 28:10RH February 6, 1894, par. 7+1.