"Will a man rob God?"

SARAH F. MILLIGAN

In the third chapter of Malachi occurs a startling question, followed by a startling accusation. The verse reads: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings."

Before we dismiss these words from our thoughts with the possible comment that they apply to people and conditions of a bygone age, let us be very sure that they may not be applied with equal appropriateness to ourselves. On page 595 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy defines the word "tithe" in part as follows: "Contribution; tenth part; homage; gratitude." In the Church Manual (p. 122) she designates a definite time and place for the bringing in of such contributions. There we find that the order of service for the Wednesday meetings provides that there shall be "experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science." Could instructions be plainer? Here is a specified opportunity to bring in our tithes, our contributions, our homage, our gratitude.

The questions for every member of a branch church or society to consider are: Am I following these instructions? Am I giving my proportionate share to these services? This is not hard to determine when we realize that there are fifty-two Wednesday evening meetings held during the year by each church. Then let us recall how many times out of these fifty-two we have brought in our contribution. Some will be able to recall many; some, less; and some, none!

When we have thus looked the situation squarely in the face and have admitted our shortcomings in this line, how the excuses come hurrying in! We may not have testified, we say, but we have supported the meeting by our presence, our prayers, and our constructive thinking. This is good; but may it not come under the comment, "These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone"? Our meetings truly need mental support, but just as surely do they need audible support, if they are to furnish the cup of cold water which our Leader urges us to give. (See Science and Health, p. 570.) What would be thought of people who sent out cordial invitations to a supper and then, when the guests arrived, neglected to serve anything of which to partake? Christian Science churches send out invitations by means of notices in The Christian Science Journal and in local newspapers. When these invitations are accepted, should not church members feel their responsibility in presenting to their guests at least a crumb of true sustenance?

Sometimes, in towns which attract seasonal visitors, it may be said by local church members that they do not feel called upon to speak when strangers are present because their remarks are an old story, whereas the outsiders have fresher and more interesting things to say. Let us remember that these summer visitors or winter guests may have been faithful to their home duties and supported their home meetings throughout the year, and seek the refreshment of which they too may be in need; but if both visitor and local members graciously bring their contributions, all may rejoice together.

The excuses may sometimes be presented that we are not easy speakers; that we are young and inexperienced in Christian Science; that speaking in public frightens us, or that we do not know what to say. These same excuses were advanced by Jeremiah when he was reluctant to obey the divine calling; and his false sense of self received this loving rebuke: "Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."

Again, we hear it said that one never plans beforehand what to say, for then the testimony would not be spontaneous. Such reasoning may be specious and deceptive. Spontaneity is a lovely quality when divinely directed, but no less admirable is the deliberate desire to express gratitude. When Jesus healed the ten lepers, spontaneity brought only one of them back to return thanks; and the surprised regret of the Master upon the failure of the nine to appear has come down through the years.

Are we sincere in saying that we wish to make this demonstration of speaking in our meetings? When we pray, "O Lord, open thou my lips," have we any expectation of rising to our feet and of having our lips opened? If we honestly want this to happen, we shall be looking forward to it; we shall begin to plan for it, and then with divine help we shall accomplish it. If we could only realize how much depends upon individual effort in this direction! We wonder at times why our societies do not become churches, and why our small churches do not become larger churches. Let us search our own hearts for the answer. Have we brought in our tithes, or have we robbed God? It is not the spoken word alone, but the obedient disposition, the willing mind, the grateful and unselfish desire to share with others, that furnishes good material for church building. When we bring "all the tithes into the storehouse,"—not the tithes of a faithful few, but your tithes and my tithes,—then we shall be in a position to prove the Lord, as was visioned by Malachi; and then shall the abundant blessing be received.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The Lesson of Elijah in the Cave

July 27, 1929

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit