The Danger of Selfishness in Stewardship
By: AJ Dumpasan
Title: The Danger of Selfishness in Stewardship
Text: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Based on: Ellen White’s Counsels on Stewardship, Chapter 11
Title: The Danger of Selfishness in Stewardship
Text: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Based on: Ellen White’s Counsels on Stewardship, Chapter 11
Introduction
Opening Illustration:
Imagine a farmer who hoards his seeds, refusing to plant them for fear of losing them. Over time, the seeds spoil, and the farmer gains nothing. Similarly, selfishness in stewardship not only hinders God’s work but also robs us of spiritual growth and blessings.
In Chapter 11 of Counsels on Stewardship, Ellen White warns against selfishness in stewardship, emphasizing that self-centeredness blocks the flow of blessings to and through us.
Key Question:
Why is selfishness dangerous in stewardship, and how can we overcome it?
Opening Illustration:
Imagine a farmer who hoards his seeds, refusing to plant them for fear of losing them. Over time, the seeds spoil, and the farmer gains nothing. Similarly, selfishness in stewardship not only hinders God’s work but also robs us of spiritual growth and blessings.
In Chapter 11 of Counsels on Stewardship, Ellen White warns against selfishness in stewardship, emphasizing that self-centeredness blocks the flow of blessings to and through us.
Key Question:
Why is selfishness dangerous in stewardship, and how can we overcome it?
1. Selfishness Blocks God’s Blessings
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Selfishness is the strongest and most general of human impulses. It is the root of all evil” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 133).
- When we hold back in selfishness, we limit God’s ability to bless us and use us as channels of His grace.
Biblical Foundation:
- Proverbs 11:24: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
- God’s principle of giving is that generosity opens the door to His abundant blessings.
Practical Application:
- Reflect on areas in your life where selfishness may be hindering your generosity.
- Trust God’s promise that He will provide when you give freely.
Example:
- Share a testimony of someone who overcame selfishness and experienced God’s blessings through giving.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Selfishness is the strongest and most general of human impulses. It is the root of all evil” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 133).
- When we hold back in selfishness, we limit God’s ability to bless us and use us as channels of His grace.
Biblical Foundation:
- Proverbs 11:24: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
- God’s principle of giving is that generosity opens the door to His abundant blessings.
Practical Application:
- Reflect on areas in your life where selfishness may be hindering your generosity.
- Trust God’s promise that He will provide when you give freely.
Example:
- Share a testimony of someone who overcame selfishness and experienced God’s blessings through giving.
2. Selfishness Harms God’s Work and Others
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The love of money leads men to seek for riches, and this frequently causes them to oppress the poor and to turn away from the requirements of God” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 134).
- Selfishness in stewardship deprives the church of resources needed for ministry and leaves those in need without help.
Biblical Foundation:
- James 2:15-16: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
- Genuine stewardship includes caring for the needs of others and supporting God’s work.
Practical Application:
- Identify ways you can contribute to church projects or community programs that uplift the poor and advance God’s mission.
- Consider the impact of your giving on the lives of others and the growth of God’s kingdom.
Example:
- Highlight a church or community initiative that suffered due to lack of resources but flourished when members chose generosity over selfishness.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “The love of money leads men to seek for riches, and this frequently causes them to oppress the poor and to turn away from the requirements of God” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 134).
- Selfishness in stewardship deprives the church of resources needed for ministry and leaves those in need without help.
Biblical Foundation:
- James 2:15-16: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
- Genuine stewardship includes caring for the needs of others and supporting God’s work.
Practical Application:
- Identify ways you can contribute to church projects or community programs that uplift the poor and advance God’s mission.
- Consider the impact of your giving on the lives of others and the growth of God’s kingdom.
Example:
- Highlight a church or community initiative that suffered due to lack of resources but flourished when members chose generosity over selfishness.
3. Selflessness Leads to Spiritual Growth and Eternal Rewards
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Every opportunity to help a brother in need, or to aid the cause of God in the work of saving souls, is a pearl that you can send beforehand and deposit in the bank of heaven” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 137).
- Selfless giving fosters humility, strengthens our faith, and stores up treasures in heaven.
Biblical Foundation:
- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Selflessness redirects our focus from earthly possessions to eternal rewards.
Practical Application:
- Look for opportunities to give sacrificially, trusting that God will use your offerings for His glory and your spiritual growth.
- Remember that selfless acts of stewardship contribute to your heavenly account.
Example:
- Share a story of someone whose selflessness in giving brought spiritual growth and eternal impact.
Ellen White’s Insight:
- “Every opportunity to help a brother in need, or to aid the cause of God in the work of saving souls, is a pearl that you can send beforehand and deposit in the bank of heaven” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 137).
- Selfless giving fosters humility, strengthens our faith, and stores up treasures in heaven.
Biblical Foundation:
- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Selflessness redirects our focus from earthly possessions to eternal rewards.
Practical Application:
- Look for opportunities to give sacrificially, trusting that God will use your offerings for His glory and your spiritual growth.
- Remember that selfless acts of stewardship contribute to your heavenly account.
Example:
- Share a story of someone whose selflessness in giving brought spiritual growth and eternal impact.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway:
Selfishness in stewardship hinders God’s work, harms others, and blocks blessings in our lives. By choosing selflessness, we align ourselves with God’s character, advance His mission, and grow spiritually.
Closing Appeal:
- Let us examine our hearts and commit to overcoming selfishness in stewardship.
- Remember, every act of generosity reflects God’s love and contributes to His eternal kingdom.
Closing Illustration:
- Ellen White writes, “In proportion as the love of money increases, the love of God and of humanity decreases” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 135). Let us choose love for God and others over selfish gain.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the privilege of being stewards of Your blessings. Help us to overcome selfishness and embrace selflessness in our giving. May our stewardship reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
Key Takeaway:
Selfishness in stewardship hinders God’s work, harms others, and blocks blessings in our lives. By choosing selflessness, we align ourselves with God’s character, advance His mission, and grow spiritually.
Closing Appeal:
- Let us examine our hearts and commit to overcoming selfishness in stewardship.
- Remember, every act of generosity reflects God’s love and contributes to His eternal kingdom.
Closing Illustration:
- Ellen White writes, “In proportion as the love of money increases, the love of God and of humanity decreases” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 135). Let us choose love for God and others over selfish gain.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the privilege of being stewards of Your blessings. Help us to overcome selfishness and embrace selflessness in our giving. May our stewardship reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
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