God gives to us regularly, freely, abundantly.
Every earthly blessing is from His hand. What if the Lord should
cease to bestow His gifts upon us? What a cry of wretchedness,
suffering, and want would go up from the earth! We need daily
the unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness.
This world was established and is sustained
by the compassionate love of the Creator. God is the giver of
all we have. He calls upon us to return to Him a portion of the
abundance He has bestowed on us. Think of the care He gives the
earth, sending the rain and sun shine in their season, to cause
vegetation to flourish. He bestows His favors on the just and
on the unjust. Shall not the recipients of His blessings show
their gratitude by giving of their means to help suffering humanity?
There are many souls to be brought to the
saving knowledge of the truth. The prodigal is far from his Father's
house, perishing with hunger. He is to be the object of our compassion.
Do you ask: "How does God regard those who are perishing
in their sins?" I point you to Calvary. God "gave His
only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Think of
the Saviour's matchless love. While we were yet sinners, Christ
died to save us from eternal death. In return for the great love
wherewith Christ has loved you, you are to bring to Him your
thank offering. You are to make a gratitude offering of yourself.
Your time, your talents, your means--all are to flow to the world
in a tide of love for the saving of the lost. Jesus has made
it possible for you to accept His love and in happy co-operation
with Him to work under its fragrant influence. He requires you
to use your possessions in unselfish service, that His plan for
the salvation of souls shall be carried forward with power. He
expects you to give your undivided energies to His work.
Would you make your property secure? Place
it in the hand that bears the nailprint of the crucifixion.
Retain it in your possession, and it will
be to your eternal loss. Give it to God, and from that moment
it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His immutability.
Would you enjoy your substance? Then use it for the blessing
of the suffering.