Further Thought:

 Ellen G. White wrote two chapters on this important topic of distribution of our assets. See “To (Aged and) Wealthy Parents,” in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, Pages 116-130, and “Wills and Legacies,” in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, Pages 476-485.

Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com

There is also a section that discusses estate planning in Counsels on Stewardship, Pages 323-335. Ellen G. White also wrote: “That which many propose to defer until they are about to die, if they were Christians indeed they would do while they have a strong hold on life. They would devote themselves and their property to God, and, while acting as His stewards, they would have the satisfaction of doing their duty. By becoming their own executors, they could meet the claims of God themselves, instead of shifting the responsibility upon others.” — Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 480.

What does she mean by “becoming their own executors”? In a typical will, the one making the will appoints an executor to distribute the assets following his death in harmony with his wishes as expressed in the will. By becoming your own executor, you simply distribute your assets yourself while you are living. By doing so, you will have the satisfaction of seeing the results and of knowing that you are handling God’s entrusted talents properly.

For the Christian, the second coming of Christ is the “Blessed Hope.” We all have imagined how awesome it will be to see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven. We are eager to hear the words, “Well done.” But what if we should be laid to our rest before Jesus returns? If we have followed His revealed will, we can have the satisfaction now of seeing the work go forward because of our efforts, knowing that because of our estate plan, the work will continue after we are gone.

Discussion Questions:

<–Thursday

Amen!(3)

The post Friday: Further Thought ~ Giving Back appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/friday-further-thought-giving-back/

Though it’s hard to know what life would have been like on earth had humans not sinned, one thing we can know for sure: there would have been no hoarding, no greed, no poverty — things that have plagued our world since recorded history. Our sense of ownership, of what we have worked for and, if we did it honestly, is rightfully ours, is nevertheless a manifestation of life in a fallen world. In the end, however, regardless of how much we do or do not own, there’s one important point that we should always remember.

Read the following texts. What is the central point in them all, and how should that point impact what we do with whatever material means God has blessed us with? (Psalm 24:1, Hebrews 3:4, Psalm 50:10, Genesis 14:19, Colossians 1:15-17).

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

We are stewards and managers of what He has entrusted to us; that is, God ultimately owns it all, and He is the one who gives us life, existence, and the strength to have anything at all. It is only logical, then, that when we are finished with what God has given us, and have taken care of our family, we should return the rest to Him.

“In giving to the work of God, you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven. All that you lay up above is secure from disaster and loss, and is increasing to an eternal, an enduring substance” “[and] will be registered to your account in the kingdom of heaven.” — Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 342.

There are many advantages to giving now, while we live. Here are a few:

1. The donor actually can see the results of the gift — a new church building, a young person in college, an evangelistic campaign funded, etc.
2. The ministry or person can benefit now when the need is greatest.
3. There is no fighting among family or friends after your death.
4. It sets a good example of family values of generosity and love for others.
5. It minimizes estate tax consequence.
6. It guarantees that the gift will be made to your desired entity (no interference from courts or disgruntled relatives).
7. It demonstrates that the heart of the donor has been changed from selfishness to unselfishness.
8. It stores up treasures in heaven.

<–Wednesday Friday–>

Amen!(0)

The post Thursday: Spiritual Legacy appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/thursday-spiritual-legacy/