PCEA

This subject has an attraction for all. Missionary societies as well as commercial institutions have some interest in money. A Diogenes inhabiting a tub may profess disregard for monetary matters, but even he needs that which money purchases.

Nevertheless, there are the widest differences in the values set on money. Judas Iscariot lived for it - all the years he companied with the Lord Jesus he was a thief - and his selfishness and greed had, as their logical result, the betrayal of the Master for thirty pieces of silver. But see Judas in his last day on earth! Conscience smitten and remorseful he found out, at last, the comparative worthlessness of money, for it could not ease an accusing conscience. Flinging down money in the temple court, as he recognised the insufficiency of that for which he had lived, Judas hanged himself.

The Lord Jesus marvelled at the faith of the Roman captain (Lk. 7:9) and at the unbelief of the inhabitants of Nazareth (Mk. 6:6). Me thinks He marvels at the liberality of some who profess His name and at the stinginess of others who, likewise profess His name. Do not some of us persistently wonder where certain devoted souls find the money they give to good causes? And, do we not wonder how some persons can be as persistently mean as they are in their givings? The difference in the measure of giving is not, primarily, a difference in the amount of wealth, but is fundamentally a difference in the condition of the heart. Does not Holy Scripture declare that hearts are changed and the illiberal made liberal by the Divine grace? A Zacchaeus declares not to men, but to His Lord: "The half of my goods I give to the poor." And he made that declaration out of a grateful heart and thought not of any reward. Nevertheless the words of Psalm 41:1 are a benediction for such: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble."

Have not persons who have been helped wonderfully in their monetary troubles been able to trace their deliverances to the fact that their parents were liberal givers and helpers of the poor? And such have seen a fulfilment of the Divine Word of Psalm 37:26: "He is ever merciful and lendeth (i.e. giveth), and his seed is blessed." It must be a grief to the Lord to see those, who say they serve Him, valuing money as much as the poor worldling does. Many professing Christians, by their lives, reveal that money is as much to them as it is to those who know not God. Cases are rare (but praised be God we know of such cases!) where Christians have set little store on worldly wealth, and have sought, above all else, for themselves and for their children, heavenly wealth.

When we are asked to contribute to a cause in which we are not much interested, our response is usually indicative of the small measure of our interest; but when a cause which grips our hearts is before us, there is a hearty and liberal response. Truly "God loveth a cheerful giver". Therefore we are not illogical in concluding that when people habitually give little to the cause of Christ, the Christ is little to them.

Then, there are those objectionable souls who do little and give little for the cause of Christ, but who speak and act as if they were accomplishing much. A Zacchaeus like experience of Christ's love and power would revolutionise their giving as well as every other feature of their lives. Such need to be told that generous souls engaged in most difficult missionary work, do not speak of it, in its hardest phases, as sacrifice.

A godly mother, who had prayed and laboured for the conversion of her son and whose heart was doubly gladdened by his conversion and call to the mission field, was spending some hours with him prior to his departure for Central China. Feeling acutely the impending separation, the doubt came: "Is it, after all, worth while?" Then came the God- given answer: "God so loved . . . that He gave . . . His Son." Yet I have heard of church members who attended church services in expensive cars whose contributions to the cause of Christ never exceeded sixpence per week.

Niggardliness has a detrimental effect upon the family life. Numbers who should read these lines will not, because they grudge the small annual subscription to our church paper. Into every home should come a virile Protestant paper and a devotional magazine week by week. These would provide most helpful spiritual light and food for the family. But, alas! An evening's pleasure is regarded as more important, and so the money is devoted to amusement.

When William Borden, a millionaire, was asked at the age of twenty four why he did not purchase a motor car, he replied: "I cannot afford it." Yet Borden at that early age made large provision in his will for aged and infirm missionaries. A great world wide missionary leader asked: "Who is there tonight who can always see the shadow of the Cross falling upon his banking account?" Many who have no dependants, yea and many who have dependants, yea, even all, would act wisely and well by heeding these challenging words of Dr. Samuel Zwemer, D.D. A much greater One said: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."