14. David and God Were Partners—This subject of the use of the means entrusted to us should be carefully considered; for the Lord will require His own with usury. While in poverty, many regard systematic giving as a Bible requirement; but when they come into possession of money or property, they do not acknowledge God’s claim upon them. They look upon their means as their own. But not so did King David regard his possessions. He understood that God is the great proprietor of all things, and that he himself was highly honored in that he had been taken into partnership with God. His heart was filled with gratitude for the favor and mercy of God, and in his prayer when presenting offerings for the building of the temple, he said, “Of thine own have we given thee” (The Review and Herald, December 8, 1896).{3BC 1130.1}

14. David og Gud var partnere. - Det at bruge de midler vi har fået betroet, bør der tænkes nøje over, for Herren vil kræve Sit eget tilbage med renter. Skønt mange er fattige, betragter de dog systematiske gaver som et bibelsk krav; men når de kommer i besiddelse af penge eller ejendom, anerkender de ikke Guds krav på dem. De ser på deres midler, som om det er deres egne. Men sådan så kong David ikke på sine ejendomme. Han forstod at Gud er den store ejendomsbesidder af alle ting, og at han ikke selv blev så højt æret i det som han havde taget i partnerskabet med Gud. Hans hjerte blev fyldt med taknemmelighed for Guds gunst og barmhjertighed, og i sin bøn, da han gav ofre for tempelbyggeriet, sagde han: ”Af din egen hånd har vi givet dig det.” (RH 8. dec., 1896).