I watched in wonder as the pile of checks on my aunt’s table grew. Between each check she wrote, she paused. When the name of a loved one, friend, or favorite charitable organization came to mind, she would pen another check. Sometimes one of her daughters would suggest a name. In answer, my aunt would nod her head quietly and endorse a subsequent donation. After some time had passed, she smiled and laid down her pen. She had achieved her goal. Her life savings was gone. Her bank account was empty. Every penny she had saved had been given away to benefit those in need. Her blue eyes sparkled with joy as she turned to me and said, “Everyone should have this much fun!”
It’s been five years since my aunt passed away, but her words continue to echo through my thoughts. Everyone should have this much fun! For her, these were not empty words. Her actions gave them life and reminded me of the scriptural truth found in Acts 20:35— “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
During Old Testament times, God established a system of tithing to provide for the needs of all members of society. The first tithe covered the salaries of the Levites, those who by Margie Seely ministered in God’s sanctuary. Numbers 18:21. The second tithe, an equally mandatory do- nation, was dispersed according to the desire of the giver. This offering was to go to “the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.” Deuteronomy 26:12. This was the Israelites’ “fun money”, which enabled the giver to see with his own eyes how his gift blessed the recipient.
Imagine for a moment the joy felt by one who provides a full meal to a hungry widow and her children. Picture the satisfaction enjoyed by another, who swaps an orphan’s floppy, broken sandals for new ones. Perhaps you can visualize the toothless, grateful grin of a homeless man whose worn-out, old cloak is replaced with a clean, new one, and under- stand the fulfillment experienced by yet another faithful follower of God. This system of paying “second tithe”, an additional ten per- cent of a person’s income, benefitted both the giver and the receiver.
You may protest that giving away twenty percent of your income is too much. But there’s more. “The contributions required of the He- brews for religious and charitable purposes amounted to fully one-fourth of their income [emphasis added].” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 527). If any country required such a high tax, the citizens would revolt! But God had a special reason for making these demands.
“So heavy a tax upon the resources of the people might be expected to reduce them to poverty; but, on the contrary, the faithful observance of these regulations was one of the conditions of their prosperity.” (Malachi 3:11, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 527). The more the people gave to help others, the more God blessed them as a nation. He wanted them to learn that happiness and fulfillment come only when we stop hoarding our blessings and share them instead.
My aunt was never wealthy, but she always shared whatever she had. From the little she earned, she faithfully paid her tithe, and also put some money away for safekeeping. After years of saving and living frugally, she amassed a substantial amount. When diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 82, she knew exactly what she would do with the money she had saved. Her family would receive a portion, but she would give away the majority.
I asked her why she never used that money for herself. She could have driven a nicer car or bought designer clothes or lived in a more expensive home. However, she was satisfied with the simple things of life and didn’t need “extras” to make her happy. She received more happiness from giving her money away than in spending it for herself. “Everyone should have this much fun!” she told me.
The Spirit of Prophecy continues—“Shall we, who enjoy the full light and privileges of the gospel, be content to give less to God than was given by those who lived in the former, less favored dispensation? Nay, as the blessings we enjoy are greater, are not our obligations correspondingly increased?” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 188).
While visiting our schools in Central America, I was introduced to a young student attending the Colegio Cientifico on a scholarship received one year prior. The sponsor had requested that her donation be given to the brightest and most promising girl whose family could not afford to pay for a Christian education. I took a picture of this little girl and sent it to her donor. When I returned home, I received this message: “Thank you so much for the picture you sent me. I actually cried tears of joy when I received it. I had given the money knowing it was needed and that someone would be blessed by it, but I was not prepared for the overwhelming happiness I experienced when I opened your message and saw her little face.”
Joy. Happiness. Fun. These are the words used by donors to describe how they feel when sharing God’s blessings with someone else. When was the last time you cried tears of happiness for money you spent?
Think for a minute what might happen if we would commit to giving away an extra fifteen percent of our income each month? How much more could the work advance as these second tithes and offerings are collected?
How many more schools around the world would be able to adequately support their teachers in the most important work of training young minds to follow God?
Consider the following directives: “Our conferences look to the schools for educated and well-trained laborers, and they should give the schools a most hearty and intelligent support.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 215).
“If our institutions would be as prosperous as God designs they shall be, there must be more thoughtfulness and earnest prayer, mingled with unabating zeal and spiritual ardor. To connect the right class of laborers with the work may require a greater outlay of means, but it will be economy in the end; for while it is essential that economy be exercised in every- thing possible, it will be found that the efforts to save means by employing those who will work for low wages, and whose labor corresponds in character with their wages, will result in loss. The work will be retarded and the cause belittled. Brethren, you may economize as much as you please in your personal affairs, in building your houses, in arranging your clothing, in providing your food, and in your general expenses; but do not bring this economy to bear upon the work of God in such a way as to hinder men of ability and true moral worth from engaging in it.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 551).
“The Lord desires the churches in every place to take hold more diligently of the church school work, giving liberally to sustain the teachers. The question has been asked, ‘Could not the second tithe be used for the support of the church school work?’ It could be used for no better purpose [emphasis added].”—Manuscript 67, 1901, 5.
In 1899, God gave Sr. White a vision of His plan for finishing the work around the world. It was a simple but effective strategy that would both advance and safe- guard God’s people. It looked like this:
“When a company of believers is raised up, careful provision should be made for the permanence and stability of the work. A house of worship will be needed, and a school where Bible instruction may be given to the people. The workers should not leave their field of labor without building a church and providing a school-room and a teacher.... All this has been presented be- fore me as a panoramic view. I saw work- men building humble houses of worship. Those newly come to the faith were helping with willing hands, and those who had means were assisting with their means. A school-room was prepared for the children. Teachers were selected to go to this place. The number in the school was not large, but it was a happy beginning. I heard the songs of children and of parents.... The establishment of churches, the erection of meeting houses and school buildings was extended from city to city, and the tithe was increasing to carry for- ward the work. There was a class, not only in one place, but in many places, and the Lord was working to increase His forces.” (Ministry to the Cities, p. 143).
So where do you fit into this vision from God? Are you a Pastor? Teacher? Designer? Builder? Donor? Prayer warrior? Do you have multiple talents that you can use for His work? God is “increasing His forces” and building an army for the advancement of His cause. It’s an exciting work! It’s life-changing! And, dare I even say it? Fun! Using your talents for God and donating your means into His treasury will give you the most satisfaction you will ever experience.
As my dying aunt so wisely said, “Everyone should have this much fun!”
by Margie Seely
