On the Road to Emmaus: Giving
There is something satisfying in the thought that the world’s monies can be put to other-than-worldly uses.
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In his book “Ye Servants of the Lord,” Bro. Harry Tennant writes a chapter entitled “The Treasurer and the Treasury.” The chapter deals with money and our contributions to the Lord.
“Although we are not redeemed by corruptible things such as silver and gold, we cannot escape from their use in the service of God. There is something satisfying in the thought that the world’s monies can be put to other-than-worldly uses. It is our privilege to consecrate what we have of this world’s goods to the service of the giver of all things.
“Thus, throughout the ages both by command and willing desire corruptible man has entered his earthly treasure into the divine account, where the capital is safe and the interest beyond computation. Do we give as we should? Does the money we pay for our hobbies, dining out, the extras, exceed our contributions to the Lord? Do we ever deny ourselves when special needs arise within the ecclesia?”
There is ample scope for improvement in our giving. There is blessedness if we truly believe in our Lord. If “The fear of the Lord” is our treasure, then we shall esteem other treasures of little value until they are used as in the presence of God. As the service of God is the only true antidote to idolatry, so unselfishness and generosity are the cure for covetousness and self-seeking.
Stephen was a treasurer, as was Judas Iscariot. The difference lay in their attitude to their Master. Judas thought that his Master wasn’t looking. Stephen was glad he was! Each of us is a treasurer for the Lord. If we belong to him, then surely what we have is not ours either. Let us use our money appropriately in our homes, our ecclesias, and in all things.
Jim Sullivan,
Stoughton Ecclesia, MA