Not to Take Means From the Cause—The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who are bearing God’s message to the world, and it should not be diverted from this purpose.—Review and Herald, Supplement, December 1, 1896.
(WM 277.1) 2 I
MC
VC
The cause of God should not be overlooked that the poor may receive our first attention. Christ once gave His disciples a very important lesson on this point. When Mary poured the ointment on the head of Jesus, covetous Judas made a plea in behalf of the poor, murmuring at what he considered a waste of money. But Jesus vindicated the act, saying: “Why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.”Mark 14:6. “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”Mark 14:9. By this we are taught that Christ is to be honored in the consecration of the best of our substance. Should our whole attention be directed to relieving the wants of the poor, God’s cause would be neglected. Neither will suffer if His stewards do their duty, but the cause of Christ should come first.—Testimonies for the Church 4:550, 551.
(WM 277.2)
MC
VC
God’s claim is to take precedence of any other claim and must be discharged first. Then the poor and the needy are to be cared for.—The Youth’s Instructor, August 26, 1897.
(WM 277.3)
MC
VC
To Receive From Outside Sources—God will open the way for us from sources outside our own people. I cannot see how anyone can take exceptions to the receiving of gifts from those not of our faith. They can only do so by taking extreme views and by creating issues which they are not authorized to do.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers 3:43
(WM 277.4)
MC
VC