EGW WritingsMatthew 6
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 4
Read Matthew 6 in the BibleMatthew 6:11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 93, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 93, 1901, par. 11
In order for us to comprehend and appreciate the truth as it is in Jesus, we must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, as represented in the sixth chapter of John. We must make continual growth in grace, and for this, as well as for all other blessings, our prayers should ascend to God. Christ taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” [Matthew 6:11.] Truth must be brought into the daily experience. Our people must be taught daily in the school of Christ.Prayer
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Give us this day our daily bread.”—Matthew 6:11.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”—Matthew 6:11.
To Be Like Jesus
Pray for Daily Bread, January 4
BLJ 11.1
Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11, NKJV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 48, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 48, 1895, par. 1
We assembled in the little sitting room, and after a season of prayer, I read something that I had written on prayer. The petition Christ taught His disciples has a deeper meaning than we have hitherto realized. One point has impressed itself upon my mind: “Give us this day our daily bread.” [Matthew 6:11.] This means more than a request for temporal food. No one could receive temporal food were it not for the One who gave His life for the life of the world, but the words, “Give us this day our daily bread,” refer not only to temporal food, but to the spiritual food which brings everlasting life to the receiver. When we believe and receive Christ’s word, we eat His flesh and drink His blood.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 34, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 34, 1898, par. 4
Christ taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” [Matthew 6:11.] The Lord hears this prayer, and is constantly working to answer it. He lets His sun shine upon the just and the unjust, and gives to all refreshing showers, wind, and rain, thunder and lightning. All are God’s blessing, sent to purify the atmosphere from injurious unhealthful agencies, which, if allowed to accumulate, would poison the atmosphere and destroy everything that breathes the breath of life.Matthew 6:11-30
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 6—Other Lessons from Seed-Sowing
COL 81.1
Christ taught His disciples to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.” And pointing to the flowers He gave them the assurance, “If God so clothe the grass of the field, ... shall He not much more clothe you?” Matthew 6:11, 30. Christ is constantly working to answer this prayer, and to make good this assurance. There is an invisible power constantly at work as man’s servant to feed and to clothe him. Many agencies our Lord employs to make the seed, apparently thrown away, a living plant. And He supplies in due proportion all that is required to perfect the harvest. In the beautiful words of the psalmist:Matthew 6:11-33
That I May Know Him
Much Faith, Much Peace, August 13
TMK 231.2
The more our faith fastens to Christ in perfect trust, the more peace we shall have. Faith will grow by exercise. God’s rule is, One day at a time. Day by day do the work for each day as if you are conscious that you are working in the sight of the angels, cherubim and seraphim, and God and Christ. You are “a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9). “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Living thus, the Holy Spirit helps our memory, sanctifies every faculty, and keeps us reminded of our daily and hourly dependence upon our heavenly Father’s care, ... and unceasing love.TMK 231.4
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Here is a precious promise from One who means every word He says. Then why are we fearful, distrustful, and unbelieving? ... Our time is the Lord’s. Our talents are the Lord’s. Then how can any individual feel that he can be independent, not subject to the Spirit of God—independent of God’s will, independent of God’s providences and plans? ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 56, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 56, 1893, par. 1
The more our faith fastens to Christ in perfect trust, the more peace we shall have. Faith will grow by exercise. God’s rule is, One day at a time. Day by day do the work for each day as if you are conscious that you are working in the sight of the angels, cherubim and seraphim, and God and Christ. You are “a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” 1 Corinthians 4:9. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2. Living thus, the Holy Spirit helps our memory, sanctifies every faculty, and keeps us reminded of our daily and hourly dependence upon our heavenly Father’s care, guardianship, wisdom, and unceasing love.8LtMs, Ms 56, 1893, par. 3
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Here is a precious promise from One who means every word He says. Then why are we fearful, distrustful and unbelieving? Let us go on doing our duty with an eye single to the glory of God, filling up our time here working out God’s plan as in the sight of an invisible world. Our time is the Lord’s. Our talents are the Lord’s. Then how can any individual feel that he can be independent, not subject to the Spirit of God—independent of God’s will, independent of God’s providences and plans? In your supposed independence, you are in slavery to a power that is in rebellion to God.Matthew 6:12
That I May Know Him
How to Settle Your Troubles, June 24
TMK 181.2
We should carefully consider what is our relation to God and to one another. We are continually sinning against God, but His mercy still follows us; in love He bears with our perversities, our neglect, our ingratitude, our disobedience. He never becomes impatient with us. We insult His mercy, grieve His Holy Spirit, and do Him dishonor before men and angels, and yet His compassions fail not. The thought of God’s long-suffering to us should make us forbearing to one another. How patiently should we bear with the faults and errors of our brethren when we remember how great are our own failings in the sight of God. How can we pray to our heavenly Father, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12) if we are ... exacting in our treatment of others? ...To Be Like Jesus
Be Compassionate When Poverty Is Unavoidable, June 23
BLJ 186.3
But the teaching of this parable should not be misapplied. God’s forgiveness toward us lessens in no wise our duty to obey Him. So the spirit of forgiveness toward our fellow beings does not lessen the claim of just obligation. In the prayer which Christ taught His disciples He said, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 3, 1871
2LtMs, Ms 3, 1871, par. 18
In the prayer Christ taught His disciples was the request, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” [Matthew 6:12.] We cannot repeat this prayer from the heart and dare to be unforgiving, for we ask the Lord to forgive our trespasses against Him in the same manner we forgive those who trespass against us. But few realize the true import of this prayer. If they did, would [they] dare to repeat it and ask God to deal with them as they deal with their fellow mortals? And yet this spirit of hardness and lack of forgiveness exists even among brethren to a fearful extent. Brother is exacting with brother.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 11, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 77
May God pity those who are watching, as did the Pharisees, to find something to condemn in their brethren and who pride themselves on their wonderfully acute discernment. That which they called discernment is cold, satanic criticism, acuteness in suspecting and charging souls with evil intent who are less guilty than themselves. They are, like the enemy of God, accusers of the brethren. These souls, whatever their position or experience, need to humble themselves before God. How can they pray, “Forgive me as I forgive others”? [Matthew 6:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 38, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 38, 1891, par. 18
Probably I shall not see you again, as I expect to sail next Thursday. I want to say to you, Do not extort money from anyone because of words spoken against you or yours. You harm yourself by so doing. If we are looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be able to pray, “Lord, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” [Matthew 6:12.] Jesus did not appeal to the law of redress when He was unjustly accused. When He was reviled, He reviled not again; when He was threatened, He did not retaliate.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 89, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 89, 1898, par. 20
In the prayer which Christ taught His disciples, He said, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” [Matthew 6:12.] This is not to be understood to mean that in order to be forgiven our sins we are not to require our just dues from our debtors. But if through unwise management they have placed themselves where they cannot pay, they are not to be treated harshly, oppressed, or placed in prison.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 160, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 160, 1907, par. 5
We want to see the ax laid right at the root of the tree. Every root of bitterness is to be rooted up. If anyone has hurt you, you say, “I will have no more to do with him.” Well, then, when you come to the Lord and you say, “Forgive us our trespasses,” there you must stop. [Matthew 6:12.] You can’t say any of the Lord’s prayer. We want to see whether there are not to be some confessions. Have there not been hard speeches? Has not Christ been wounded in the person of His saints?Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Are We in the Faith?
GW92 429.2
Dear brethren, “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Many may respond, “Why, yes, I am in the faith; I believe every point of the truth.” But do you practice what you believe? Are you at peace with God and with your brethren? Can you pray with sincerity, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”? [Matthew 6:12.] Or are you estranged from your brother, because you think he has injured you? Are there no heart-burnings among you? Is there no bitterness in your hearts, no envying, no jealousy, no evil surmising, no misjudging of your brethren? Is there no emulation, no desire for special favor or honors, no wish to have the supremacy? These feelings should not exist among Christians.Prayer
Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
Pr 103.1
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.Prayer
Chapter 29—The Privilege of Prayer
Pr 283.2
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.Steps to Christ
Chapter 11—The Privilege of Prayer
SC 97.1
When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.That I May Know Him
As We Are Forgiven, June 23
TMK 180.1
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12.Matthew 6:12-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 12, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 12, 1903, par. 4
The Lord Jesus has given special directions as to what each of His “little children” is to do. When we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us,” do we do our part to answer this prayer? [Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.] Let us remember that if our brother has aught against us, we are to leave on the altar the gift we have brought to God and be reconciled to our brother. Then we are to come and offer our gift. This is the only way in which we can keep in our hearts the peace of God. And is it not worth an effort to have this peace? Were not Christ’s directions given to be carried out to the letter; and if they were carried out, would not much sorrow and alienation and misunderstanding be spared?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 23, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 23, 1903, par. 7
Our gifts, our prayers, are not acceptable to God while we leave this duty undone, and let the poison of envy and evil surmising take possession of our souls, to destroy our union and happiness. O, how much unhappiness would be saved, and how many evil thoughts would be quenched, if believers would take up the work that Christ has said must be done to prevent evil speaking. We pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us.” [Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.] Do we do our part to answer this prayer? We are to make every effort in our power to remove every stumbling block from before the feet of our brother. But too often our prayers are hindered by our pride of heart, by our refusal to confess faults and to remove wrong impressions. Let us remember that our prayers are not acceptable to God while we suffer a fellow worker to misapprehend us. If we are not to blame for the misunderstanding that exists, we can perhaps make an explanation that will remove the misunderstanding. If we are to blame, if we have left a wrong impression on a brother’s mind, we are certainly under obligation to do all in our power to remove this <difficulty>.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 29, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 29, 1903, par. 8
Our gifts, our prayers, are not acceptable to God while we leave this duty undone and let the poison of envy and evil surmising take possession of our souls to destroy our union and happiness. O how much unhappiness would be saved, and how many evil thoughts would be quenched, if believers would take up the work that Christ has said must be done to prevent evil speaking! We pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us.” [Matthew 6:12, 14, 15.] Do we do our part to answer this prayer? We are to make every effort in our power to remove every stumbling block from before the feet of our brother. But too often our prayers are hindered by our pride of heart, by our refusal to confess faults and to remove wrong impressions. Let us remember that our prayers are not acceptable to God while we suffer a fellow worker to misapprehend us. If we are not to blame for the misunderstanding that exists, we can perhaps make an explanation that will remove the misunderstanding. If we are to blame, if we have left a wrong impression on a brother’s mind, we are certainly under obligation to do all in our power to remove this impression.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 19—The Measure of Forgiveness
COL 247.2
But the teaching of this parable should not be misapplied. God’s forgiveness toward us lessens in no wise our duty to obey Him. So the spirit of forgiveness toward our fellow men does not lessen the claim of just obligation. In the prayer which Christ taught His disciples He said, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12. By this He did not mean that in order to be forgiven our sins we must not require our just dues from our debtors. If they cannot pay, even though this may be the result of unwise management, they are not to be cast into prison, oppressed, or even treated harshly; but the parable does not teach us to encourage indolence. The word of God declares that if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10.) The Lord does not require the hard-working man to support others in idleness. With many there is a waste of time, a lack of effort, which brings to poverty and want. If these faults are not corrected by those who indulge them, all that might be done in their behalf would be like putting treasure into a bag with holes. Yet there is an unavoidable poverty, and we are to manifest tenderness and compassion toward those who are unfortunate. We should treat others just as we ourselves, in like circumstances, would wish to be treated.COL 251.1
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15. Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit. He who is unmerciful toward others shows that he himself is not a partaker of God’s pardoning grace. In God’s forgiveness the heart of the erring one is drawn close to the great heart of Infinite Love. The tide of divine compassion flows into the sinner’s soul, and from him to the souls of others. The tenderness and mercy that Christ has revealed in His own precious life will be seen in those who become sharers of His grace. But “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Romans 8:9. He is alienated from God, fitted only for eternal separation from Him.God’s Amazing Grace
In Debt, November 16
AG 328.1
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12.AG 328.2
A great blessing is here asked upon conditions. We ourselves state these conditions. We ask that the mercy of God toward us may be measured by the mercy which we extend to others. Christ declares that this is the rule by which the Lord will deal with us: “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14, 15). Wonderful terms! but how little are they understood or heeded. One of the most common sins, and one that is attended with most pernicious results, is the indulgence of an unforgiving spirit. How many will cherish animosity or revenge and then bow before God and ask to be forgiven as they forgive. Surely they can have no true sense of the import of this prayer or they would not dare take it upon their lips. We are dependent upon the pardoning mercy of God every day and every hour; how then can we cherish bitterness and malice toward our fellow sinners! 28Testimonies for the Church 5:170.Prayer
Chapter 23—Prayer for Forgiveness
Pr 239.4
Those Seeking Forgiveness Must Themselves Have a Forgiving Attitude—When we come to ask mercy and blessing from God we should have a spirit of love and forgiveness in our own hearts. How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven.—(Steps to Christ, 97.)Pr 239.5
After completing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus added: “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14, 15. He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults.—(The Faith I Live By, 131.)Matthew 6:13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 19, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 19, 1884, par. 7
We could only pray and I work for them as though they did believe every word of testimony, and yet so cautious as though they were unbelievers. It was in my mind day and night—a portion of the Lord’s prayer—“Thine is the power and the glory.” [Matthew 6:13.] God’s power could come to us and we could work only in faith, believing that the Lord would help us. Just as soon as we preached the plain principles of truth, there was a buzzing in the camp like a swarm of bees. They said Elder Waggoner and I were clubbing them. They did not want that kind of preaching.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 8, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 8, 1893, par. 13
You should not place yourself where you will be corrupted by dissolute companionship. As one who loves your soul, I beseech you to shun, as far as possible, the company of the profligate, the licentious, and the ungodly. Pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” that is, Do not, O Lord, suffer us to be overcome when assailed by temptation. [Matthew 6:13.] “Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] There is a difference between being tempted and entering into temptation. Often the spell of temptation will hold us like a charm. The suggestions of Satan will stir every element of depravity that still remains in the unrenewed nature. The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. But if you fail in the test and trial of your life now, in probationary time, you will fail forever.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 1, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 1, 1893, par. 7
The spell of temptations is holding these souls with a fascinating, bewitching power. Satan will lead them on from step to step, as it were blindfolded, and with his suggestions will, as they advance, stir up the human passions to depravity which will prove their eternal ruin. There is already developing a strong inclination to that which is evil and destructive in its manifestation. Appetites and passions are clamoring for indulgence and gratification. Reason and conscience remonstrated at every step for a time, but the voice of Satan is heard presenting worldly lusts in <attractive> garments, and sin becomes attractive. They depart farther from the counsel of God and the authoritative voice speaking from His Word. These youth need to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” [Matthew 6:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 71, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 71, 1901, par. 8
In the gatherings of the people of God for worship, there has been a mingling of the sacred and the common. Our people certainly make a high profession, but they have lost sight of their Leader. If they realized that He was by their side or just before them; if they were pressing on to keep in His company, light, cheap talk, jesting, joking, and trifling would not, could not exist. It becomes all who profess to believe sacred truth to walk circumspectly as wise men, else Satan will wreck their bark upon unseen rocks. If God’s people could see, as I have seen, the dangers and perils they are in, they would be constantly praying, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” [Matthew 6:13.] But while Satan is preparing his snare for their souls, they are full of mirth and glee. They are not imbued with the Spirit of God. Sacred and eternal interests have but little weight in their minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 30, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 30, 1904, par. 33
You pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” [Matthew 6:13.] Then do not consent for your children to be placed where they will meet unnecessary temptation. Do not send them away to schools where they will be associated with influences that will be as tares sown in the field of their heart.Prayer
“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13, R.V.
“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13, R.V.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 149, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 149, 1905, par. 10
Christ declares, “I am the way. ... No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.] By His precious blood He hath consecrated a new and living way into the holiest of all. Let us lay all our burdens at the feet of Jesus. We are ever to seek for unity. Discord and strife cannot possibly glorify God. We are to seek to harmonize. All envy, all strife, all ambition is to be put away. We are to encourage humility. God has promised to keep us away from evil, and we cannot cherish evil thinking and envy and at the same time keep our souls unspotted. We are bidden to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” [Matthew 6:13.] We are to act in harmony with this prayer, and not enter into evil.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 127, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 127, 1907, par. 7
The Saviour bids us pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” [Matthew 6:13.] Our heavenly Father will lead His people in the paths of righteousness. The word of the Lord to the churches in this conference is: “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Be on your guard against the efforts of the powers of darkness to resist the testimonies of God’s Spirit that are to be understood.” Actions spring from desires and purposes. God alone can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. He weighs with unerring accuracy the very motives of the mind.Prayer
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.” Matthew 6:13.
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.” Matthew 6:13.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”—Matthew 6:13, R. V.
“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”—Matthew 6:13, R. V.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.”—Matthew 6:13.
“Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.”—Matthew 6:13.
From Here to Forever
Sufficient Evidence
HF 327.1
No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His Word. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation on passages by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study with humility of heart. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: “Lead us not into temptation.” Matthew 6:13.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Sufficient Evidence
GrH_c 12.8
No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His Word. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation on passages by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study with humility of heart. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: “Lead us not into temptation.” Matthew 6:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 9, 1867
1LtMs, Lt 9, 1867, par. 5
In regard to the fair, do not you go, my Willie. It will be no benefit to you. I would advise Betsey, George, and the younger children not to go. Be content to remain away. It is best to keep from temptation as much as possible. Is it appropriate to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” [Matthew 6:13], and then with eyes wide open walk right into temptation?Matthew 6:13-33
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 46, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 46, 1896, par. 4
They make the excuse that they have no time to search the Scriptures to see what is truth. They have no time to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” [Matthew 6:13.] They neglect to be doers of the words of Christ, when He says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verse 33.] They reveal the fact that they place less value upon things of eternal interest than they place upon things of this world. They place less value upon the great sacrifice made in their behalf to secure to them the rich treasures of grace and truth than they do upon the things which perish with the using.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 13, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 13, 1900, par. 7
Up to the close of this earth’s history there will be those who will sell their birthright for a mess of pottage. Sad as it is, there are unconverted ministers and unconverted people. The Lord has given us only one probation. There will never be another for any soul. From the lips of every one who shall be numbered with the overcomers will go forth the prayer, “Lead us not into temptation.” [Matthew 6:13.] That is, Save us from going into temptation. The apostle James declares, “Let no man say, when he is tempted (to do evil), I am tempted of God.” [James 1:13.]15LtMs, Lt 13, 1900, par. 11
Take heed, my brother. There is an eternal life for you to win. Fight to the utmost of your power the good fight of faith. Not in the future, but now is your probation. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things”—the things which now serve Satan’s purpose as a snare to deceive and destroy—“will be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] God’s chosen ones must be gold, not hay, wood, and stubble. Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness.Matthew 6:14
From the Heart
Forgiveness Is Not Impossible, November 21
FH 337.1
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14.Matthew 6:14-15
The Faith I Live By
Forgiven as We Forgive, May 5
FLB 131.3
After completing the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus added: “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14, 15. He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults.15Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 113, 114.This Day With God
Prescription for Unity, April 22
TDG 121.1
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14, 15.TDG 121.3
Will my brother remember his own great indebtedness to the Lord and how much he needs His forgiveness and His pity and love? Will he remember that ... if you forgive not your brother his trespasses neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses (see Matthew 6:15)? ...To Be Like Jesus
Have a Forgiving Spirit, January 5
BLJ 12.1
If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14, 15, NRSV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 3, 1865
1LtMs, Ms 3, 1865, par. 6
I saw that the Lord had suffered the mind of my husband to be desponding because of his errors and mistakes. He had permitted him to despair nearly of the forgiveness of God, not because his sins were of such magnitude that God had given him up to darkness of mind, but to give him an experience that he might know how painful it was to be in a state of uncertainty and doubt, and how agonizing to be in uncertainty in regard to the forgiveness of God and being accepted of Him. Said the angel, “God will have His afflicted servant more clearly understand, ‘For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ [Matthew 6:14, 15.]”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 63, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 63, 1903, par. 25
“If ye forgive men their trespasses,” said our Saviour to His disciples, “your heavenly Father will also forgive your trespasses. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” [Matthew 6:14, 15.] The Lord’s requirements are plainly stated, and they are without a flaw. At the day of judgment, no one will have any excuse for saying, “I did not understand.” The duty of dedicating all to God is clearly enjoined in His Word.Matthew 6:15
Reflecting Christ
The Ground of Forgiveness, September 18
RC 275.6
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit. He who is unmerciful toward others shows that he himself is not a partaker of God’s pardoning grace. In God’s forgiveness the heart of the erring one is drawn close to the great heart of Infinite Love. The tide of divine compassion flows into the sinner’s soul, and from him to the souls of others. The tenderness and mercy that Christ has revealed in His own precious life will be seen in those who become sharers of His grace....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 350, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 350, 1905, par. 4
Every true Christian is to work in a way to preserve unity. The prayer Christ taught His disciples is short, but full of meaning. If this is repeated in the family circle every day, it will become a blessing. After teaching this prayer to His disciples, Christ takes up the points distinctively that needed to be impressed forcibly upon their minds. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [Matthew 6:15.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Infinite Love, January 12
JNN 19.1
“But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”—Matthew 6:15JNN 19.3
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). Nothing can justify an unforgiving spirit. He who is unmerciful toward others shows that he himself is not a partaker of God’s pardoning grace. In God’s forgiveness the heart of the erring one is drawn close to the great heart of Infinite Love. The tide of divine compassion flows into the sinner’s soul, and from him to the souls of others. The tenderness and mercy that Christ has revealed in His own precious life will be seen in those who become sharers of His grace. But “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). He is alienated from God, fitted only for eternal separation from Him.Matthew 6:16-18
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites.”—Matthew 6:16.
“When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites.”—Matthew 6:16.
MB 88.1
Jesus said, “When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret.” Matthew 6:17, 18. Whatever is done to the glory of God is to be done with cheerfulness, not with sadness and gloom. There is nothing gloomy in the religion of Jesus. If Christians give the impression by a mournful attitude that they have been disappointed in their Lord, they misrepresent His character and put arguments into the mouth of His enemies. Though in words they may claim God as their Father, yet in gloom and sorrow they present to the world the aspect of orphans.Matthew 6:19
Manuscript Release No 1033
Sands, Virginia, Sunday, November 9, 1890
MR1033 23.4
I spoke in the afternoon from Matthew 6:19.... Nine hundred and thirty-five, by count, were in the house, and outside. Platforms were made by the windows and many stood by the windows on the platform of boards and others on the ground. The windows were opened so that they could hear. Many were in uncomfortable positions, pressed up as close to the windows as possible to hear the Word of life. The platform of the desk was crowded with men and women.... I was surprised that there was as much quiet as there was. Many, many were standing all the time. Many scarcely moved from their positions during the one hour and a half I was speaking.—Manuscript 45, 1890, 6-7 (Diary 16, pp. 300-301).Jesus, Name Above All Names
Owner of All Our Earthly Treasures, July 29
JNN 223.1
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”—Matthew 6:19Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 158—EGW’s Visit to Sands (Stanley), Va., November 5-11, 1890
2MR 327.2
I spoke in the afternoon from Matthew 6:19. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.” I had freedom in addressing the people, but not more than half could get into the house. Nine hundred and thirty-five, by count, were in the house, and outside. Platforms were made by the windows and many stood by the windows on the platform of boards, and others on the ground. The windows were opened so that they could hear. Many were in uncomfortable positions, pressed up as close to the windows as possible to hear the Word of life. The platform of the desk was crowded with men and women.Our High Calling
A Curse or a Blessing? July 7
OHC 194.1
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. Matthew 6:19.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.”—Matthew 6:19.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.”—Matthew 6:19.
Testimony for the Church — No. 8
The Two Crowns
T08 58.2
Matthew 7 [6]:19-24: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 183, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 183, 1898, par. 15
I spoke once at Dora Creek, and those who came to the meeting seemed interested. We want, if possible, to reach the hearts of the people. I spoke from (Matthew 6:19), presenting the closing verses of the chapter, 19-33. There has been some interest at Dora Creek, and we shall follow it up. This has been ten days of deep interest to very many, if not all.Matthew 6:19-20
Ye Shall Receive Power
Generosity, March 21
YRP 89.4
On some occasions the Lord has moved decidedly upon worldly, selfish men. Their minds were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, their hearts felt its softening, subduing influence. Under a sense of the abundant mercy and grace of God, they felt it their duty to promote His cause, to build up His kingdom. They remembered the requirement, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:19, 20). They felt a desire to have a share in the kingdom of God, and they pledged to give of their means to some of the various enterprises of the Lord’s cause. That pledge was not made to man, but to God in the presence of His angels, who were moving upon the hearts of these selfish, money-loving men.—The Review and Herald, May 23, 1893.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Wills and Legacies
1TT 554.1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:19, 20. Selfishness is a soul-destroying sin. Under this head comes covetousness, which is idolatry. All things belong to God. All the prosperity we enjoy is the result of divine beneficence. God is the great and bountiful giver. If He requires any portion of the liberal supply He has given us, it is not that He may be enriched by our gifts, for He needs nothing from our hand; but it is that we may have an opportunity to exercise self-denial, love, and sympathy for our fellow men, and thus become highly exalted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 9, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 9, 1883, par. 17
John Wesley once gave a powerful sermon on the use of money; he laid down three rules: “Make all you can; save all you can; give all you can.” To handle much means without saving is improvidence; it is squandering. To hoard up money, adding land to land and house to house, is covetousness and idolatry. To make and to save is wisdom and economy. To give of this means acquired is obeying Christ. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” [Matthew 6:19, 20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 48, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 48, 1886, par. 12
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19, 20. Now here is where the peculiarity comes in. The world cannot understand why this sacrifice is made, and it is impossible for them to understand until they can see the object of the sacrifice made by Christ. Jesus became poor that we may become rich. Christ has done all for us, and what have we done for Him in return?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 117, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 117, 1899, par. 4
“Lay not up for yourself treasures on earth, ... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” where Christ is pleading for you. “Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth.” [Matthew 6:19, 20; Colossians 3:2.] To work for this class requires tact and ingenuity and individual effort by workers whose hearts are softened by the grace of God. While the world is heaping up treasures for the fires of the last days, let those who believe the truth work with all their God-given abilities to gain eternal treasure.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 192, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 192, 1907, par. 36
And there are the treasures that you shall let loose of in order to be a blessing to help the institutions that are here, for we have had to work to bring this into existence. There is indebtedness here, and we want the help of every one. Instead of wasting the means that God has given you, lay it up, lay it up beside the throne of God. “Lay not up for yourselves ... heaven.” [Matthew 6:19, 20.] Well, how are we to do it? By obedience. God help us to take hold of this work. We could talk a long time, but we do not want to. We want to throw out some ideas, we want you to study them, and to work them, to deny yourself, and to lay up beside the throne of God everything possible to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth, and then it will be returned to us in everlasting treasure in the kingdom of God.Matthew 6:19-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19b, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 8
I would let Jesus, the world’s Redeemer speak: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; ... for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19, 21. “Sell that ye have, and give alms; Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” Luke 12:33. O that the Lord would impress the hearts of His people with a sense of their duty and imbue them with a missionary spirit.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1380—Nearness to the End; Using Our Means for the Advancement of the Cause
19MR 135.2
Are you using that [which] God has given you, to advance His work? Oh, how ungrateful are the children of men! They act just as [did] the inhabitants of the old world. They allow the blessings that God has given them to separate them from Him, and the more He entrusts to them the more they forget Him. He has put means into your hands to advance His cause, and [do] you use it to your own glory? Jesus came into the world and became poor that we through His poverty might be made rich. Listen to His words, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 70, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 70, 1886, par. 2
No one should live merely to get gain to himself. The world’s Redeemer has said: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth,” “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also;” but, “lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven,” in “bags which wax not old.” [Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33.] How can this be done? By constantly regarding your property as the Lord’s and by anxiously watching, like faithful stewards of God, to see what you can do in any direction to help advance His cause.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 35, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 35, 1885, par. 7
Are you using [what] God has given you to advance His work? Oh, how ungrateful are the children of men! They act just as the inhabitants of the old world. They allow the blessings that God has given them to separate them from Him; and the more He entrusts to them, the more they forget Him. He has put means into your hands to advance His cause, and you use it to your own glory? Jesus came into the world and became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. Listen to His words, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 21, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, par. 5
The followers of Christ are to represent Him to the world. By precept and example they are to teach the works of Christ. They are to do the work that will represent His attributes. They are to entreat their fellow men for whose salvation they labor, that they may not, by providing for themselves only an earthly portion, deprive themselves of eternal happiness. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” says Christ, “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] He who secures his treasure beside the eternal throne becomes a partaker of the heavenly attributes. Divine attributes and temporal blessings are appreciated and enjoyed in a sense that the worldling cannot understand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 116, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 116, 1897, par. 9
The Lord calls upon them to make careful consideration. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 41, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 41, 1899, par. 2
The medical missionary work promises to do more in Australia than it has in America to open the way for the truth to gain access to the people. May the Lord’s people now heed the invitations of God’s opening providence, and realize that it is an opportune time to work. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 65, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 65, 1902, par. 3
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 16, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 16, 1902, par. 28
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 109, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 109, 1902, par. 14
The Lord Jesus bids those who are accumulating riches for selfish ends to lay up treasures in heaven. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” He pleads, “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 142, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 139
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 305, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 305, 1904, par. 10
Christ’s message to us is, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal.” In this scripture the Saviour warns us not to fail of laying up treasure in heaven. “Where your treasure is,” He says, “there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] The characters of those who obey the Saviour’s injunction will reveal what their choice has been. Choosing the service of God, their lives bear the impress of the principles of heaven. Their characters are molded and fashioned after the character of Christ. They receive the impression of the divine, the stability of heaven’s greatness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 84, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 84, 1904, par. 11
God sees how strong man’s inclination is to accumulate earthly treasure, and in the highways and byways of life His voice is heard, saying, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” [Mark 8:36.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]That I May Know Him
A Safe Place for Our Treasures, August 5
TMK 223.1
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 158, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 28
Do we realize how we grieve the heart of God by our sinfulness? I feel so thankful that your hearts have been stirred to give liberally at this meeting to the cause of God in needy fields. Jesus has said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] A few months ago, I wrote to a brother, and asked him to lend me some money on interest, that I might invest it in the work of God. He had given his sons their portion of money, but they had persuaded him to invest all he could spare in some land. The father had set the money aside for the Lord, but he wrote me that to save trouble in his family, he had yielded to his sons’ wishes in this matter. That was God’s money that had been entrusted to him as a steward, but like the servant in the parable, he has buried his money in the earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 191, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 5
This company of the redeemed are they who have heeded the words of Christ: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth not rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 27, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 27, 1907, par. 18
God sees how strong man’s inclination is to accumulate earthly treasure, and in the highways and byways of life His voice is heard, saying, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” [Mark 8:36.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 384, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 384, 1908, par. 14
Your calculations in the past have not been wise; for you have not laid up your treasure in heaven. The Saviour says to you, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 136, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 136, 1908, par. 13
The Lord Jesus gives us very important instruction: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21. Read these cautions and warnings of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 48, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 48, 1911, par. 9
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]This Day With God
Look at the Pattern, January 22
TDG 30.3
God sees how strong man’s inclination is to accumulate earthly treasure, and in the highways and byways of life His voice is heard saying, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).The Review and Herald
May 20, 1862
RH May 20, 1862, par. 5
Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Answering the Macedonian Cry
2TT 329.2
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 1, 1856
1EGWLM 497.3
I saw that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Also, says Jesus, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1856
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1856, par. 8
I saw that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Also says Jesus, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.Matthew 6:19-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 110, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 110, 1899, par. 16
“The end of all things is at hand.” [1 Peter 4:7.] “Sell that ye have, and give alms. Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” [Luke 12:33.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” [Matthew 6:19.] There is danger that thousands of pounds will be lost through the business management of those who take counsel from the arch-deceiver, who is laying his plans at this important period of the earth’s history to gather to himself all that should be brought to the Lord for the advancement of His work.14LtMs, Lt 110, 1899, par. 17
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 20, 21.] If the Lord’s money is invested in worldly enterprises, the mind is constantly directed earthward, instead of heavenward. “The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single (to the glory of God), thine whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, (as was that of the slothful servant), thine whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Verses 22, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 11, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 11, 1892, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]7LtMs, Ms 11, 1892, par. 25
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” [Matthew 6:19-23.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1283—SDA’s Not to Erect Mammoth Institutions; If Economy is Practiced, Needs of World Can be Met; Leaders to Have Upright Characters
17MR 286.1
Now, just now, a great work is to be done without delay. The Lord calls upon His stewards for that which is His own. God’s people are not to tie up their money by placing it in banks. They should put it in circulation by investing it in the work in missionary fields. Let those of our people who have money in banks withdraw it and invest it in the great work of God while they have opportunity.17MR 286.2
No one is to make an urgent appeal for means with which to erect large and expensive buildings for sanitariums, colleges, or publishing houses, so absorbing means that the work in other places is crippled. Let our brethren be careful lest by drawing largely from our people for the erection of buildings in one place they rob other parts of the Lord’s vineyard. Unduly to exalt the work in one part of the field is selfishness and covetousness. The Lord specially condemns such a manifestation, for by it His sacred work is misrepresented before the world. He would have His work controlled and guided by equity, justice, and judgment. He does not call for the erection of immense institutions. One corner of the vineyard is not the whole world. In many places throughout the world memorials for God are to be established to represent His truth.17MR 286.3
Every dollar that we have belongs to God. “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” Yet some do not recognize His ownership. Though the work in the part of the field where they are laboring already possesses an abundance of facilities, they continue to draw from the Lord’s treasury. They do not think of the needy portions of the field, which require such facilities as they already have. Would they work as zealously to provide for some other place the facilities they think are required in their field?17MR 287.1
Every worker must labor with an eye single to the glory of God. If the work in all parts of the field bore the signature of heaven, there would be means enough to carry it forward. Those who have the money in God’s treasury are to economize in the use of means, and they are to consider carefully the needs of the work in the home field and in the regions beyond. If they did this they would not erect mammoth institutions, contrary to the instruction of God. The Lord has plainly told us that instead of erecting a mammoth institution in any one place, we should establish plants in many places.17MR 287.2
The question is sometimes asked, “Why build schoolhouses, sanitariums, food stores, or churches, when time is so short?” The Lord’s money is to be invested wisely. In many places where the work has been shamefully neglected plants must be established that will be producers as well as consumers. Memorials for God should be established in every place as an aid in the proclamation of the last message of mercy. Missionary work should be done in every city.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 143, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 143, 1899, par. 16
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light. And if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” [Matthew 6:19-23.] “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 10:33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 53, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 53, 1903, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body is full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” [Matthew 6:19-23.] “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when He shall return from the wedding: that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately.” [Luke 12:32-36.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 164, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 164, 1905, par. 19
I am charmed with the revelation of my Saviour given in the Word of God. Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood, those who make His Word a part of themselves, grow in grace. Christ looked upon a world subjected to the power of the enemy of all good. He saw men, endowed with powers for good, degraded by self-serving. Taking His stand in the highways of life, He sees their disappointment; He sees the busy crowds passing and repassing one another, in eager search for worldly riches, yet meeting failure after failure. He seeks to arrest their attention and to point them upward to the unseen world. With intense earnestness He cries, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:19-23.]20LtMs, Ms 164, 1905, par. 22
The Lord Jesus will give scope to the loftiest ideas of those who labor in connection with Him. Those to whom He has entrusted talents of means and influence must co-operate with the heavenly Father, regarding themselves as stewards of God’s goods and trading faithfully on their talents. They are not to live for themselves, but for God, and they are to increase their Master’s goods by putting them out to usury, using all their powers to increase the number that believe the truth. There are opened to them the gates of heavenly commerce, and they are offered the privilege of continually imparting and continually receiving the grace that Christ gives. This receiving and imparting gives security to our lifework. Thus we lay up treasure “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.” [Matthew 6:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 157, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 157, 1907, par. 13
Righteousness is absolute conformity to God’s mind. Righteousness is a wonderful acquirement. Matthew 6:19-23.Matthew 6:19-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 45, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, par. 18
I spoke in the afternoon from Matthew 6:19. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.” I had freedom in addressing the people, but not more than half could get into the house. Nine hundred and thirty-five, by count, were in the house and outside. Platforms were made by the windows and many stood by the windows on the platform of boards, and others [stood] on the ground. The windows were opened so that they could hear. Many were in uncomfortable positions, pressed up as close to the windows as possible to hear the word of life. The platform of the desk was crowded with men and women.6LtMs, Ms 45, 1890, par. 29
What can be compared with the loss of a human soul? It is a question which every soul must determine for himself—whether to gain the treasures of eternal life or to lose all because of his neglect to make God and His righteousness his first and only business. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, who gave His own precious life that every son and daughter of Adam might have life—eternal life—in the kingdom of God, looks with grief upon the large number of those who profess to be Christians who are not serving Him but themselves. They scarcely think of eternal realities, notwithstanding He calls their attention to the rich reward awaiting the faithful who will serve Him with their undivided affections. He brings eternal realities within the range of their vision. He bids them to count the cost now of being an obedient and faithful follower of Christ, and says, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.]Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Love of the World
1TT 404.3
Christ identified Himself with humanity by bearing the test upon this point and overcoming in man’s behalf. He has guarded with warnings those very points where Satan would best succeed in his temptations to man. He knew that Satan would gain the victory over man unless he was especially guarded upon the points of appetite and the love of worldly riches and honor. He says: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-21, 24.Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 27—The Two Crowns
CET 163.2
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24.Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1036—Faithful Stewardship; Counsel Against Financial Speculation
13MR 236.4
Then if one is successful, he is so elated over the fact that he has gained a few hundred dollars, that he decides to keep on getting money if he can. He continues to invest in real estate or in mines. The device of Satan is successful. In the place of increased funds flowing into the treasury, there is a withdrawal of means from our institutions, in order that the owners may try their fortunes in the mining business or in land speculation. The spirit of greed is fostered, and the naturally penurious man begrudges every dollar that is called for to be used in the advancement of the cause of God in the earth. [Matthew 6:19-24, quoted.]—Letter 41, 1888. (Written from Burrough Valley, California, July 7, 1888, to “My Dear Brethren and Sisters at Fresno.”)Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 67—The Two Crowns
1T 349.2
Matthew 6:19-24: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Satanic Deception
1TT 126.2
(Matthew 6:19-24): “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 41, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, par. 22
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 41a, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, par. 24
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 116, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 116, 1894, par. 6
The struggle with your soul is the love of earthly treasures. Do you wish to hold them fast in your finite grasp? If you do, you may lose them all. Hear the words of Jesus, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.” Now hear the decision from one who cannot lie: “Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 19, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 3
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:19-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 264, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 264, 1903, par. 31
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:19-24.]Matthew 6:19-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 190, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 1
Matthew 6:19-21 quoted.18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 11
And here are a few scriptures that are given that I have read to you. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” “I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink (anxious thought) nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:21, 22, 25.]Matthew 6:19-26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 184, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 184, 1907, par. 7
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. ... No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other; ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them; are ye not much better than they?” [Matthew 6:19-21, 24-26.]Matthew 6:19-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 29, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 29, 1886, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and were thieves break through and steal. ... For were your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]4LtMs, Ms 29, 1886, par. 3
There is force in the following words, “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Verse 24.]4LtMs, Ms 29, 1886, par. 6
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 28, 29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 24, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:19-23.]10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 5
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, ... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” [Matthew 6:19, 20.] The treasures you have—your intellect, your talents, your influence—are not your own, but are gifts lent you by God, that you may develop a character which will be worthy of eternal life. Every soul that works in God’s lines is working for his own present and eternal good. As reasonable beings we should strive most earnestly for the gift of eternal life.10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 15
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Matthew 6:24-29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 97, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 23
Yesterday I spoke to an attentive audience from (Matthew 25), upon the talents. I was not well, but the Lord strengthened me. Today I spoke from Matthew 6:19-29. We are seeking to arouse the church here to give our hundred pounds for the school. We believe we shall succeed. I gave our experience in the leading out of this work, and Elder Daniells thinks quite an impression was made upon the people. He speaks tonight, and is seeing what can be raised. Willie has sent to America for money, but it has not yet reached here.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 61b, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 61b, 1895, par. 16
Elder Hare spoke to the people assembled at 11 A.M. My appointment was at 3 o’clock P.M. [I spoke on] Matthew 6:19-29. It was a tent well-filled, but not crowded. The Lord gave me strength and grace to present before the people the necessity of a deep and living experience in the things of God and a positive necessity of knowing for our individual selves what is truth.Matthew 6:19-33
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 201, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 201, 1898, par. 10
“Lay not up treasures upon the earth.” [Matthew 6:19.] Our Redeemer knew how to advise and counsel. As the worshipers of mammon make the world first, the Lord Jesus requires of all who believe in Him to subordinate the world to the seeking first of “the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verse 33.] Instead of exhausting all the vigor of physical and mental powers for the bread which perisheth, He who knows advises that we put forth our highest endeavors for that future eternal life. The earthly things perish in the rising to seek the heavenly currency upon which God has stamped His image and superscription. The Lord Jesus has paid the ransom for the soul. He knows what is its value.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 26, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 8
The Lord Jesus, whose we are by creation and by redemption, has pointed out our duty. All through our life we are to heed His words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] We are strictly charged, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” [Verse 19.] “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] To every man is given a talent, and he cannot dispose of that talent to another to do his trading. He must be a faithful steward.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 147, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 147, 1899, par. 2
We have been commissioned to advance. When I inquired how we should do this, I was instructed, Present your situation before the brethren in America, and ask for means. Call for help from the churches in every place, and ask them to bind about their supposed wants. Some are investing the Lord’s money in buildings, thus patterning after the unfaithful servant, who hid his lord’s money in a napkin in the earth. These need to consider and be afraid. What are they doing with their Lord’s goods? Are they heeding the divine command, “Sell that ye have, and give alms”? [Luke 12:33.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, ... but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven” [Matthew 6:19, 20], by investing your means in the work of the Lord? No; their money is expended to gratify the inclination for things which are unnecessary. These souls need to study the twelfth chapter of Luke.14LtMs, Lt 147, 1899, par. 4
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” He says, “and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh, and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom their lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” [Luke 12:33-38.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 58, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 58, 1899, par. 12
Christ discerned these dangers in the life of the rich man. He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:19, 20, 33.] This is the first work to be engaged in. Every family should rear its altar of prayer, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 1a, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 1a, 1872, par. 3
Why all this accumulation of care and burdens for your family to bear? What is your reward?—the satisfaction of laying up for yourself a treasure upon the earth, which Christ has enjoined upon you not to do, for it would prove a snare to your soul. Christ says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.2LtMs, Lt 1a, 1872, par. 25
We hope, Brother Lay, that you will take time to ponder and think seriously of how you are coming out in the end. Turn the remnant of your life to some account for God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. I beg of you not to slight this warning. Let not your pride of heart arise and throw back this reproof. Look at these things in the light of eternity and ponder them with an unprejudiced heart, and flee, flee, for your life to the Stronghold, crying, Life, life, eternal life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 94, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 23
He spreads before them the beautiful flowers, the lily of the valley, the fragrant pinks and roses, delicately tinted by the great Master Artist, and He declares, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth; where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ... Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” [Matthew 6:19-21, 26.]14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 25
The dumb animals have no souls, yet God cares for them. “Are ye not much better than they?” Christ asks. “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Wherefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verses 26-33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 89, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 89, 1909, par. 16
The Lord wants us to come to Him in the simplicity of true godliness. He wants us to feel our responsibility to form a character for the future eternal life. Christ gave precious lessons to young and old when He said: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ... Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? ... Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ... Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:19-21, 25, 28, 29, 33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 30, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 5
Christ warns and invites you to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.” “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:33, 19-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 175, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 17
My dear friends, you must reach a much higher standard. When dealing with the duties and destinies of human life, you need to examine yourselves closely, to see whether you are in the faith. Study the lessons of Christ. His discourses are full of divine truth. In His sermon on the mount He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:19-23.]11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 19
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” [Matthew 6:24-26.]11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 21
The question is asked, “Is not the life more than meat and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.] He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross purposes with Him. Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep. We have a higher work to do than to spend our time wondering what we shall eat and drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. He who created man, who gave him his wonderful physical, mental, and spiritual faculties will surely not withhold what is necessary to keep the life He has given.11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 22
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 27-29.] The great Master Artist calls our attention to the soul-less flowers of the field, pointing out the beautiful tints and the wonderful variety of shades one flower may possess. Thus God has revealed His skill and care. Thus He would show the great love He has for every human being.11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 23
Every flower is an expression of the love of God. From them parents may teach their children precious lessons of trust. Point the children to the wonderful artistic skill of the great Master Artist, and then tell them of His care for them. The smallest bird is cared for. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father. How much more will He care for His children. Let us learn the lesson of perfect trust in God. “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take not thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verses 30-33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 301, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 15
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:19-24.]19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 17
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought”—no anxious, complaining thought—“for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.]19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 18
The health of the body is to be carefully guarded. The fashions of this degenerate age are not to be followed, regardless of the injury that these fashions do to the body that Christ has purchased at an infinite cost. “Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.] He who died for human beings speaks to every one in these words, reproving those who give so much time and thought to dress, to the neglect of the soul’s highest interests.19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 19
“Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? And which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 26-29.]19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 22
We are Christ’s witnesses, and we are not to allow worldly interests and plans so to absorb our time and attention that we pay no heed to the things that God has said must come first. There are higher interests at stake. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verse 33.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 139, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 139, 1897, par. 5
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? and why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:19-33.]Matthew 6:19-34
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 20, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourself treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” [Matthew 6:19.] Now remember, it is not Sister White that is speaking; it is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Why, He came to our earth to give us these lessons lest our feet should stumble, lest they should stray in forbidden paths. He has given us His words and He has given [them] in clear lines.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 2
“But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 20, 21.] Now contemplate that a moment. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 3
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Verse 22.] Single. What does that mean? It means that you have nothing interposing between Jesus Christ and yourself. The salvation of your soul is the great thing for every living mortal, every son and daughter of Adam. You cannot afford to have a double eye. One eye for the world and the other for Christ. You should have your will and all your intellect subservient to Jesus Christ and then everything that you have will have His blessing. It will have His blessing upon it because you have consecrated it to the Lord. You will look for your treasure, your wages, your recompense of reward, when the conflict is over.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 4
“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”—if that is all the light you have. [Verse 23.] Christ came to our world that He might reveal to the human intelligences what was of true value, that they should not make a mistake, that they should not be deceived and believe the falsehoods of Satan and go into the paths of disobedience and transgression.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 5
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Verse 24.] There is something that He wants you to hear. He wants you to open the chambers of your mind and receive the things that He is bringing before you.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 6
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Verse 25.] What life is He talking about? Is He talking about this temporal life? This life that we know not how long it will last? We know not today how soon the arrow of death shall be aimed at our vitals; we know not how soon our last record will pass into eternity and then it will be too late for us to correct our mistakes. The very character that we have when we go down into the grave we will have when we come up. There is no change of character, but of the mortal body.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 8
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:25.]9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 15
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” [Matthew 6:27.] Think it over. You may think and think and think how you can grow. Christ has that in His charge. He does not require you to take that on yourself.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 16
“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Verses 28, 29.] Now, if we can find anything that is more glorious than Solomon—and he was considered the wisest king that ever swayed the scepter. He was considered a man after God’s own heart. But what about Solomon? What about the king that had so much glory and so much riches? What about him? The one that at the dedication of the temple prayed that their hearts might not be divided, but that the worshipers might be true to the service of God, what about him? Oh, it is a mournful history.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 20
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Verse 30.] Just see the care that God has given to the grass. I wish I had a bouquet here so that I could show the beauty of the flowers as God created them. Here are some flowers with the tints and coloring of God. He has given them beautiful tints and beautiful coloring. He clothed the earth, not in brown or in drab, but in a living green. There are the roses and the lilies and the pinks, all so beautiful. The artist seeks to imitate nature, but it is nothing but imitation. It is the imitation of the human artist, the copy of the works of the Great Teacher and Master Artist.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 24
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Matthew 6:30.] Do you believe in God? Must you make very preparation to see the end from the beginning before you can trust the leadings of that God “who gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life”? [John 3:16.]9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 25
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” [Matthew 6:31.] We need not be anxious for that. If we would begin to store in a little of that living faith that is given us in the precious lessons of the Bible, it would be a great advantage to us. But too often the lessons that are heard do not profit them that hear, because they do not have faith. But, they say, “It is easy enough to talk, but not so easy to practice.” What are you doing? You are doubting God. You are distrusting your heavenly Father—the God that made the world, and clad the world in its green velvet carpet and fashioned the lofty trees. God has given you everything lovely in our world. How much more will He not clothe you, “O ye of little faith?” [Verse 30.] Had we not better begin to see whether we really believe God or not?9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 26
“Therefore, take no thought for your life, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” [Verses 31, 32.] Listen to these precious, precious, assuring words. You see, it does not say God, but “your heavenly Father.” It places God in the relation of a tender, careful parent. “For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” If He has given us the gift of His precious Son, how much more will He not freely give us all things? Let us show that we will risk it. His word is pledged and we will believe Him.9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 27
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God.” That is the very first business of our lives. It is the very first lesson that we should teach to our children. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Verse 33.]9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 28
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Verse 34.] Shall we heed these words? Shall we do it? The Lord will teach us lessons of trust. Here are fathers and mothers. Are you voicing the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to your children, or are you more particular about what you are to eat and drink, and put on?9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 34
Then it is that they are separated from Christ. They have not hidden their lives with the Master. They had their mind filled with earthly treasures. They were saying, “What shall I eat, and what shall I [drink], and wherewithal shall I be clothed?” [Matthew 6:25.] They had made this the great absorbing study of their lives.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 31, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 2
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Verse 22.]16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 18
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] If you center your thoughts upon the world, you will be worldly; you cannot help but be. But if you weave into the life the principles of heaven, keeping your attention fixed on Christ, you will be prepared for association with the angels. Remember that God wants you to bring Christ into your business transactions just as surely as into the house of prayer. He wants us to bear the testimony that in a world corrupted by sin, human beings can live untainted by worldliness. He wants us to show that we are standing under the bloodstained banner of prince Emmanuel. He does not tell us that the path to heaven is a smooth one. He takes us to an eminence and shows us the powers of darkness arrayed against us. But He tells us that more than men are in the army fighting on the side of right. “Be of good cheer,” He says. “I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 19
After assuring us that we cannot serve two masters, Christ says, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” [Matthew 6:25.] What we need is the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Christ says that He will take away our sins, and cover us with His righteousness.16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 26
Christ says, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” No artist can produce the beautiful tints which God gives to the flowers. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Matthew 6:28-30.]16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 28
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Verses 31-34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 85, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 1
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,” the Saviour said, “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 4
“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:22, 23.]24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 7
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” [Matthew 6:24-29.]24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 8
As you consider the beauties and grace of the flowers of the field, you are to remember that Christ wants you to perfect a character that will represent the beauties of Christ’s character just as the lily represents the workmanship of God. And Christ drew another lesson also: “Wherefore,” He said, “if God so clothe the grass of the field, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Wherefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat, or, What shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed; (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Verses 30-34.]Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Christian Life
1SAT 318.2
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness, If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness” (Matthew 6:19-23).1SAT 324.2
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). If you center your thoughts upon the world, you will be worldly; you cannot help but be. But if you weave into your life the principles of heaven, keeping your attention fixed on Christ, you will be prepared for association with the angels. Remember that God wants you to bring Christ into your business transactions just as surely as into the house of prayer. He wants us to bear the testimony that in a world corrupted by sin, human beings can live untainted by worldliness. He wants us to show that we are standing under the bloodstained banner of prince Emmanuel. He does not tell us that the path to heaven is a smooth one. He takes us to an eminence and shows us the powers of darkness arrayed against us. But He tells us that more than men are in the army fighting on the side of right. “Be of good cheer,” he says, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).1SAT 325.1
After assuring us that we cannot serve two masters, Christ says, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment” (Matthew 6:25). What we need is the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Christ says that He will take away our sins, and cover us with His righteousness.1SAT 327.1
Christ says, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28, 29). No artist can produce the beautiful tints which God gives to the flowers. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30).1SAT 327.3
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:31-34).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 70, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 70, 1893, par. 30
“Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For all these things do the Gentiles seek). For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matthew 6:19-34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 187, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 187, 1898, par. 51
This afternoon I spoke from (Matthew 6:19-34): “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 151, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 151, 1898, par. 45
This afternoon I spoke from (Matthew 6:19-34): “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Verses 19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 391, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 391, 1907, par. 15
“Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Wherefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matthew 6:19-34.]Matthew 6:20
Radiant Religion
Causes Me to Choose Heavenly in Place of Earthly, December 6
RRe 342.2
“In heaven ... neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and ... thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 4, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 4, 1891, par. 4
I call your attention to the duties that rest upon you as the Lord’s agent. It is your duty to make secure your earthly treasure in the Bank of Heaven. “Lay up for yourselves,” said Christ, “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” [Matthew 6:20.] Money is greatly needed in the Lord’s treasury, to sustain and advance the various lines of His cause.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 30, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 30, 1903, par. 3
In responding to the call to give of your means to help forward the Lord’s work in a time of great necessity, you have been laying up treasure beside the throne of God. Neither flood nor fire can consume this treasure. It is laid up in heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” [Matthew 6:20.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Everlasting Friend, May 30
JNN 161.1
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”—Matthew 6:20Matthew 6:20-21
Our High Calling
A Bank That Never Fails, July 8
OHC 195.1
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20, 21.Reflecting Christ
Relieving the World’s Misery, September 9
RC 266.1
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ...: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20, 21.The Upward Look
Where Shall We Invest? January 7
UL 21.1
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20, 21.To Be Like Jesus
Handling Money to Meet God’s Approval, June 17
BLJ 180.1
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20, 21, NKJV.From the Heart
Lay Up Treasure in Heaven, January 22
FH 34.1
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20, 21.Matthew 6:20-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 271, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 271, 1903, par. 19
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness. No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:20-24.] When will men come to think rationally and sensibly? There are those who are certainly acting very foolishly. Why?—Because they are not daily converted, as vessels unto honor. Self swells to large proportions. As soon as men are placed where they can exercise power over others, they seem to be as those bereft of common sense. I speak thus because I have seen the outcome of the self-importance of certain ones. I wish to present this matter just as the Lord has presented it to me. Their swelling pride and self-sufficiency make it necessary to move them from their position of trust.Matthew 6:21
Our High Calling
A Test of Character, July 13
OHC 200.3
The glory of the world to come is eclipsed by the corruptible things of earth. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21. Your thoughts, your plans, your motives, will have an earthly mold, and your soul will be defiled with covetousness and selfishness. “What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. The day is coming when the idols of silver and gold will be cast to the moles and to the bats, and the rich men will weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon them....That I May Know Him
Beware of Satan’s Snares, August 4
TMK 222.3
The heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace of Christ that passeth understanding may rest in your soul, and the transforming power of His grace may work in your life and fit you for the courts of glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed in the service of self, you are not making God and heaven the first consideration of your life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of Christ into your character while you are putting all your energies on the side of the world. You may be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth for the glory of self, but “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may take part in the outward forms of worship, but your service will be an abomination to the God of heaven....Ye Shall Receive Power
The Heart Changed, February 9
YRP 48.3
You may be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth, for the glory of self; but “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may take part in the outward forms of worship; but your service will be an abomination to the God of heaven. You cannot serve God and mammon. You will either yield your heart and put your will on the side of God, or you will give your energies to the service of the world. God will accept no half-hearted service.Matthew 6:22
Christ Triumphant
Singleness of Purpose, February 27
CTr 64.1
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 2a, 1856
Religion is made to dwell too much in an iron case. Pure religion and undefiled leads us to a childlike simplicity. We want to pray and talk with humility, having a single eye to the glory of God.6
Cf. Matt. 6:22.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 72, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 72, 1894, par. 6
My sister, you are certainly self-deceived. You judge of matters as you view them with the mind’s eye. “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] Some things have been presented before me which I must present before you. If your mind were in unison with the Holy Spirit, your ideas and suggestions in council meetings would not so often differ from those of your husband and your brethren and sisters. It is plainly revealed to all present that there is not unity between you and your husband in your views and decisions. Too often you feel at liberty, before others, to express yourself in opposition to the suggestions of your husband, and the impression is given that you are not in agreement with him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 207, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 207, 1899, par. 20
“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single”—if special care is taken to keep every organ of the body pure and healthy, if temperance in all things is observed, if the physical and mental powers are exercised in accordance with an enlightened conscience—“thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] Paul writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” [Romans 12:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 182, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 182, 1902, par. 5
“The light of the body is the eye. If therefore thine eye be single, the whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] The Lord calls upon those in charge of His work in Southern California to have their eyes anointed with the heavenly eyesalve. This is their only safety.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 59, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 59, 1905, par. 26
May the Lord bless you all and give you courage and hope and faith. May all who are connected with the Glendale Sanitarium consecrate the powers of body and mind and soul to the service of God, in singleness of purpose. “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.]In Heavenly Places
Total Commitment to God, July 2
HP 190.1
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 229, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 229, 1905, par. 10
The Lord calls for true-hearted men who work with an eye single to His glory. “If thine eye be single,” the word declares, “thine whole body shall be full of light.” [Matthew 6:22.] The eye needs to be able to view things carefully, truly. A diseased eye will make a mountain out of a molehill.Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1091—Preach God’s Word, Not Fanciful, Imaginary Doctrines
14MR 62.3
“The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single” (if special care is taken to keep every organ of the body pure and healthy; if temperance in all things is observed; if the physical and mental powers are exercised in accordance with an enlightened conscience) “thy whole body shall be full of light” [Matthew 6:22]. Paul writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” [Romans 12:1].Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
Could not Approve Plans for Building in Los Angeles
1MR 251.1
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (Matthew 6:22). The Lord calls upon those in charge of His work in Southern California to have their eyes anointed with the heavenly eyesalve. This is their only safety.Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 34—Conscience
1MCP 322.5
Human Perceptions an Unstable Guide—“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22).That I May Know Him
Facing the Light, July 3
TMK 190.2
The moment the eye is turned from Jesus, darkness is seen, darkness is felt, for Jesus only is light and life and peace and assurance forever. “If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).... What is it to have a single eye? It is to have a disposition to look upon Christ, for by beholding we become changed from glory to glory, from character to character.This Day With God
Heaven on My Side, January 20
TDG 28.1
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“If ... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”—Matthew 6:22.
“If ... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”—Matthew 6:22.
Matthew 6:22-23
Our High Calling
A Time to Be Blind and Deaf, November 24
OHC 334.3
The servant of the living God sees to some purpose. The eyes are sanctified and the ears are sanctified, and those who will close their eyes and ears to evil will become changed. But if they will listen to those who will address them and try to lead their thoughts away from God and their eternal interests, then their whole senses are perverted by that which their eyes rest upon. Jesus says, “If ... thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22, 23.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 35, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 35, 1902, par. 17
“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, the whole body shall be full of darkness.” “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” [Matthew 6:22, 23; Luke 11:35, 36.] In Him is no darkness at all.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 45, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 45, 1904, par. 2
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:22, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 11, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 11, 1893, par. 28
“‘The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” [Matthew 6:22, 23.] Here in Battle Creek I must see with my brain as well as my eyes. I must educate the mental powers so that my judgment shall not be feeble and inefficient. I must improve every power God has given me. I will pray for guidance; I will commit my way unto the Lord. I will close the door of my heart against all foolishness and sin, and open my heart to every good and heavenly influence. I will make the most of my time and opportunities, that I may develop a symmetrical character. Fun and folly and indolence shall not be entertained as guests. I must form a character by copying the Pattern, Jesus Christ, and I must daily become more intelligent as to what I shall do to save my soul.”EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 6:10-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 53, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 6
The people of God on earth are the human agents that are to cooperate with divine agencies for the salvation of men. To the souls that have joined themselves to Him, Christ says, “You are one with me, laborers together with God.” God is the great and unperceived Actor; man is the humble and seen agent, and it is only in cooperation with the heavenly agencies that he can do anything good. It is only as the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit that men discern the divine agency. And hence Satan is constantly seeking to divert minds from the divine to the human, that men may not co-operate with heaven. He directs the attention to human inventions, leading men to trust in men, to make flesh their arm so that their faith does not take hold upon God. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light; but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” [Matthew 6:22, 23.] And when our light becomes darkness, how shall we be a light to the world?9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 20
Between the worldly man and the one who is faithfully serving God, there is a great gulf fixed. Upon the most momentous subjects—God and truth and eternity—their thoughts and sympathies and feelings are not in harmony. One class are ripening as wheat for the garner of God, the other as tares for the fires of destruction. How can there be unity of purpose or action between them? “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God.” [James 4:4.] “No man can serve two masters.” “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.]9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 42
The Saviour bids us “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.] Many are laying up their treasure in these secret societies and can we not see that their heart is there? However powerful may be the evidences of truth, little by little it loses its brightness, loses its force, heaven fades from the mind, the eternal weight of glory, the gift of God for a life of obedience, appears a matter unworthy of notice in comparison with the supposed benefits to be realized in laying up earthly treasure.9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 45
The Lord has bidden us, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his own good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] This is the plan which God has revealed to us to guide us in all the plans and purposes of life. But while men pray, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” [Matthew 6:10], many reject the very means by which God would establish His kingdom. When they are willing to count all things but loss that they may win Christ, their eyes will be open to see things as they really are. Then they will turn away from the earthly attractions to the heavenly. Then they will see the true nature of the worldly, selfish enjoyments that they now value so highly and those things that they now hold so dearly will be given up.9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 48
Now, before the time comes when you must render up your account to God, I urge you to give heed to His Word, “Lay up for yourselves a treasure in the heavens,” not in secret societies. [Verse 20.] Consider that there is one only proprietor of the universe, and that every man, with his time, his intellect, his resources, belongs to the One who has paid the ransom for the soul. God has a righteous claim to constant service and supreme affection. God’s will, not your pleasure, is to be your criterion, and though you should accumulate a fortune less rapidly, you are laying up a treasure in heaven. Who of the church is resolved to maintain his spirituality? Who will develop an experience that reveals Christian fervor, persevering energy? Who, like Jesus, will not fail nor be discouraged, not in grasping means for the service of self, but in laboring together with God?Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?
2SM 123.2
“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22, 23).2SM 127.5
“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).2SM 135.1
The Saviour bids us: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).2SM 135.3
There is a blindness upon human minds that is willful. Jesus said, “This people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15). The work of God for the salvation of men is the one work of supreme importance to be carried forward in our world; but many do not see this, because their interest is more with the ranks of the enemy than with the loyal soldiers of Christ. They do not see the necessity of the cooperation of the human with the divine agency. The Lord has bidden us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13). This is the plan which God has revealed to us to guide us in all the plans and purposes of life. But while men pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), many reject the very means by which God would establish His kingdom.2SM 137.1
Now, before the time comes when you must render up your account to God, I urge you to give heed to His word, “Lay up for yourselves” a “treasure in the heavens” (Matthew 6:20; Luke 12:33), not in secret societies. Consider that there is only one Proprietor of the universe, and that every man, with his time, his intellect, his resources, belongs to the One who has paid the ransom for the soul. God has a righteous claim to constant service and supreme affection. God’s will, not your pleasure, is to be your criterion. And though you should accumulate a fortune less rapidly, you are laying up treasure in heaven. Who of the church is resolved to maintain his spirituality? Who will develop an experience that reveals Christian fervor, persevering energy? Who, like Jesus, will not fail nor be discouraged, not in grasping means for the service of self, but in laboring together with God?