What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Should the tenth be paid exclusively to the Union, or can the tenth payer decide for themselves who receives the tenth?"
Answer
The tenth is a holy gift that God has reserved for Himself and is to be brought exclusively into His storehouse (the treasury) to support the preachers of the gospel. It is not permitted for an individual to use the tenth at their own discretion or divert it for other purposes—even if those may be good. Even dissatisfaction with the administration of the work does not justify withholding the tenth or distributing it arbitrarily.
God's Order for the Use of the Tenth
»God has given specific instructions for the use of the tenth. He does not intend for His work to be paralyzed by a lack of resources. ... The portion that God has reserved for Himself may not be used for any purpose other than the one He has designated. No one should take the liberty of withholding their tenth to use it at their own discretion. They should not use it for themselves in emergencies, nor apply it as they see fit, even in what they may consider the Lord’s work.«
Warning Against Unauthorized Distribution
»I have been given a very clear, explicit message for our people. I am instructed to tell them that they are making a mistake when they use the tenth for various purposes that may be good in themselves but do not represent the purpose for which the tenth should be used according to the Lord’s words. Those who use the tenth in this way deviate from the Lord’s order. God will judge these matters.«
Purpose Allocation for the Preaching Ministry
»God has not changed; the tenth is still to be used for the support of the preaching ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we currently have, and funds must be available in the treasury.«
Conduct When Dissatisfied with Leadership
»Some were dissatisfied and said, “I will no longer pay my tenth, for I have no confidence in the way things are managed at the center of the work.” But do you want to deprive God because you think the work’s leadership is not being handled properly? Present your complaint clearly and openly in the right spirit to the appropriate authorities. ... but do not withdraw from God’s work and do not prove yourselves unfaithful because others are not acting rightly.«
Obligation to Deposit into the Treasury
»The tenth is holy and has been reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to support the workers of the gospel in their work. For a long time the Lord has been robbed because there are people who do not recognize that the tenth is God’s reserved portion.«
No Unauthorized Use by Preachers
»The preacher should teach the people, through doctrine and example, to regard the tenth as holy. He should not feel that he can keep it and use it at his own discretion because he is a preacher. It does not belong to him. ... They [tithes and offerings] are to be placed in His treasury and kept holy for His service, as He has commanded.«
- Tenth Treasury Storehouse
- Use of the Tenth Preaching Ministry
- Faithfulness in the Tenth Ellen White
Original Sources (English)
