The Spiritual and Physical Impacts of Tithing and Stewardship

Yes, you are absolutely correct; failing to return tithes and offerings is a form of unfaithful stewardship that results in the loss of spiritual peace, physical health, and the eventual forfeiture of eternal life2MCP 583.1+1.

The Spiritual and Physical Consequences of Unfaithful Stewardship

When we neglect our duty to God regarding our means, we are not merely making a financial mistake; we are surrendering our self-control and becoming slaves to the enemyAH 437.1+1. This lack of fidelity has tangible effects on our well-being and the atmosphere of our homes:

• Destruction of Health: Disregarding the laws of life and the requirements of God regarding our stewardship is a transgression that directly undermines the constitution and destroys health2MCP 583.1+2.

• Loss of Peace: Unfaithful stewardship is often accompanied by an impatient and fretful spirit that destroys the peace and happiness of entire families2MCP 583.1+1.

• Forfeiture of Eternal Life: Those who selfishly retain the riches entrusted to them work against their own eternal interests, eventually causing the loss of an eternal life of happiness2T 683.2+2.

• Spiritual Blindness: Neglect of stewardship leads to a remarkable blindness of mind, where individuals can no longer discern the Spirit of God or understand true Christian experience11MR 227.3+1.

The Call to Faithful Stewardship

God is the rightful owner of the entire universe and all that we possess Psalms 24:19T 245.2. He asks us to return tithes and offerings as a token of our loyalty and submission to His sovereignty9T 245.2.

• Our Reasonable Service: We are not our own; we have been bought with the precious blood of Christ 1 Corinthians 6:19-204T 625.1+1.

• A Test of Character: God uses the management of temporal concerns to test our fitness for the higher worldCCh 84.5+2.

• The Promise of Blessing: When we are faithful in our stewardship, God promises to increase our substance and grant us peace of mind, refined taste, and sanctified judgment4bSG 99.2+1.

• The Reward of Fidelity: Those who are faithful in the little things of this life will be entrusted with the true riches of the kingdom to come17MR 210.1+2.

Rectifying the Past

If you have been unfaithful, there is still an opportunity to face right about and heed the call of mercyPH099 20.3+1. By subduing a hasty temper, controlling your words, and faithfully discharging your duties, you can regain the favor of God and look forward to the resurrection with joy4bSG 99.2+2. The Master is ready to say to the faithful steward, "Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" Matthew 25:21PH099 20.3+1.

It is vital to remember that what the Lord requires of us is to fear Him, walk in all His ways, and serve Him with all our heart and soul Deuteronomy 10:12. This includes being a faithful steward of the talents and means He has lent usYI March 3, 1908, par. 7+1.