Article December 30, 1922 ISSUE

Right Motive

CLARIBEL DAVIDSON

It is recorded in the twelfth chapter of Mark that Jesus once "sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury." Among those who came at this time was a poor widow, whose contribution was "two mites, which make a farthing." From this incident Jesus presents a helpful lesson, emphasizing the fact that the motive or intent of the giver is more than the gift itself; and his commendation was, "This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury," because she loved with sufficient unselfishness to "cast in all that she had, even all her living."

This lesson has its application in a study of the By-law, Article VIII, Section 13, of our Church Manual, given us by the wisdom of our revered Leader, which governs each member's financial obligation to The Mother Church. This rule is easy of compliance, and so broad in its application that no individual member should feel its terms too binding for him. Closely studying this rule on per capita tax, it is observed that the wording refers to the time and manner of payment thus: "Every member of The Mother Church shall pay annually a per captia tax of not less than one dollar, which shall be forwarded each year to the Church Treasurer," seeming thereby to indicate our Leader's intent that each member should be in communication with The Mother Church at least once each year. Loving compliance with this By-law would therefore mean alertness to duty, interest in the universal activities of our Church, and a comprehension and appreciation of the opportunities, as well as the privileges of membership therewith.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
New Views of Thee
December 30, 1922
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit