I have been instructed that a reformation
is needed along these lines, that more liberality should prevail
among us. There is constant danger that even Seventh-day Adventists
will be overcome with selfish ambition and will desire to center
all the means and power in the interests over which they especially
preside. There is danger that men will permit a jealous feeling
to arise in their hearts and that they will become envious of
interests that are as important as those which they are handling.
Those who cherish the grace of pure Christianity cannot look
with indifference upon any part of the work in the Lord's great
vineyard. Those who are truly converted will have an equal interest
in the work in all parts of the vineyard and will be ready to
help wherever help is needed.
It is selfishness that hinders men from
sending help to those places where the work of God is not as
prosperous as it is in the institution over which they have supervision.
Those who bear responsibilities should carefully seek for the
good of every branch of the cause and work of God. They should
encourage and sustain the interests in other
fields as well as the interests in their own. Thus the bonds
of brotherhood would be strengthened between members of God's
family on earth, and the door would be closed to the petty jealousies
and heartburnings that position and prosperity are sure to arouse
unless the grace of God controls the heart.
"This I say," Paul wrote: "He
which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according
as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is
able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work;"
being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth
through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this
service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant
also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment
of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection
unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution
unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which
long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks
be unto God for His Unspeakable Gift." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,
11-15.