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Testimony on Tithing

 

One more piece of info in my mother's file to share is her testimony on tithing.

 

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"When Keltz [Garrison] asked me last Sunday to bring you my testimony on tithing, I warned him that I am a very inadequate speaker, and besides this, I became a mother-in-law and a grandmother yesterday, and I'll be forty tomorrow, so I'm still reaching for my wits, but I do know this one thing for sure, that I believe in tithing, it's just plain fact that it's the will of the Lord that we give of ourselves and our money to help further his plan."

I have always felt that this world is a campground, and if we are lucky enough to become Christians, it's our command to tell others about the love of Jesus in our travels. I believe in works—not that they will get you into heaven, but the rewards are there.

I want to share this story of a glorious meeting with our Savior. In this "vision," I saw a man and a woman approaching the end of their long journey called Life. They were accompanied by a celestial messenger of the Lord, sent to guide them, as the last portion of the journey would become very difficult. Before them loomed a dark and hideous chasm, which the guide called the grave. But, he said to them ever reassuringly, "You need not be afraid of the dark and shadowed place. You shall pass through it in absolute safety. And look beyond it to the other side!" They lifted their eyes, and across the chasm, they saw shimmering even through the mists in the distance, the radiant City of God!

"So beautiful," the woman joyously exclaimed, "So very, very beautiful!" "Let us go at once!" said her husband. "No, wait," admonished the guide. "First, you must put down on this side of the chasm all of the things you carry in your hands." "Just throw them over there on that hill. That is where travelers from before have left their possessions. The couple did not move to obey. The messenger's voice became stern, Nothing except yourselves may be carried beyond the grave." "But you don't understand," the man explained. "These are stocks and bonds and gilt-edged securities. They represent a lifetime of industry, thrift, wise investment, and intelligent business management. They are like bags of gold.

You will not need them, and such collateral has absolutely no value in the heavenly city, where the streets are paved with gold. As her husband reluctantly threw down his bundles, the woman clung tightly to her treasures. The guide pointed to a box. My lace is the exquisite handmade lace that I brought back from Europe. It was the envy of all my friends, she spoke pleadingly. In the presence of the King of Kings, such showy finery is not permitted. You must be arrayed in robes of righteousness.

Hesitantly, she tossed it down but clutched a silver and velvet jewel case to her heart. Patiently, the guide held out his hand. She slowly lifted the lid and displayed a necklace for his inspection. These are pearls, the real kind, sea gems of lasting loveliness. Each one is perfectly spherical and has a deep and radiant luster. Besides, they were added three and four at a time as anniversary gifts. I so treasure my necklace for its sentimental value. This strand of matched pearls would be very costly if you bought it now; one jeweler has offered me a tremendous price.

A mere bauble, the celestial stranger answered. Do you not remember that the twelve great gates of God's city are each a single pearl? That bracelet on your arm and your fur must also be thrown aside. The woman sobbed: my beautiful diamond bracelet and my fur? Don't you realize these are perfect stones, and the fur is worth a fortune? "But nothing!" We use such precious stones as building materials in New Jerusalem. Look, the mists are lifting.

Again, they looked toward the holy city of pure gold. The glory of God's light allowed us to see colors more clearly, and the wall's foundations were garnished with all manner of precious stones.

Empty-handed, the couple went down into the chasm. With the guide, they passed into the gate beyond. Yes, they were saved as if by fire, and that which represented all their worldly treasures were left outside on the great heap of things past. Then, I understood the meaning of Revelation 18:17: In one hour, such great wealth has been brought to ruin!

Just then, another couple approached the end of their journey. They came with much less reluctance and with a much lighter load. With no regret, they laid their items on the scrap heap, the things of earth they no longer would need. Their eyes were turned with eager expectancy toward the gates of pearls and the treasure city beyond.

I saw the gates swing open wide and heard the joy bells of heaven begin to ring. Amazed and joyfully bewildered, they stood among the crowd at the gate, waiting for them and singing joyfully, "Welcome home."

Some they had never seen before took them by the hand and said, "Next to the dear Savior, you are our best friends." Then the newcomers were amazed and said, "How can this be since we have never known each other before?" And some answered, "Why, we came from the darkness, but messengers came to us bringing the Good News of Salvation, and that is why we are all here. Since we arrived, God has looked over his account books and told us that you sent the messengers to us. So when it was announced in the city this morning that you were coming, this crowd of those whom you helped win to Him was assembling to greet you. 

And then, with hearts aglow and joy more rapturous than earth can ever know, the husband and wife thought back to the times in their earthly home when they had tithed earnestly and had invested all the money they could spare to the church's mission.

O' the Savior's face beamed upon them in glorious light as he said, Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, and I will make you ruler over many things.

Then, I understood the meaning of an Abundant Entrance. Hear the voice of Jesus as he says to you,  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20.

Not one worldly possession will help a lost brother or sister find their way to Salvation, but your testimonies and tithes will!

This is why we tithe! Lorena and John Dayton

 

I remember my mother writing their tithe check and placing it in a First Baptist Church envelope on the kitchen counter by the phone each week. They tithed every week. I have witnessed the goodness of God when we give above our tithe sacrificially, too.

 

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