"ALL THINGS come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" (1 Chron. 29:14). Not only is this a beautiful sentiment but it is true. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).
It is essential that we come to the place where we give not only lip service but heart service to this philosophy. The church today needs all of its re sources, human and otherwise, as it attempts to reach the peoples of the world with the last message of love and mercy. Every talent, every ability, needs to be turned over to the Lord for His use and glory. Our time, our energy, our special gifts, are to be used to honor God and to bring blessing to our fellow men.
We therefore appeal to all of our ministers everywhere to recognize our stewardship of time, talent, and means. By precept and example let us consecrate all to the work of the Lord. Let us present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. With undivided heart and loyalty let us support every effort that is designed by the Lord to break the hold of selfishness upon our lives and the lives of our dear people.
In giving all to Christ we are giving only that which is rightfully His any way. If we are in truth the temple of God and if the Spirit of God dwells in us, then we will be quick to recognize our accountability to Him, and gladly, willingly, turn over our all to Him. Let us give a demonstration both to the church and to the world that it really is "more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). We have the promise that God will do the work if we will furnish Him the instruments. Let us on this World Stewardship Day furnish Him instruments that are completely dedicated to Him, so that He may use us to finish speedily His work in all the world and thus hasten the return of our blessed Lord.
