Giving!

            Over a hundred years ago a sixteen-year-old boy left home to seek his fortune. All he had he carried in a bundle.  As he walked along he met the captain of a canal boat and the following conversation took place that changed his life: “Well William, where are you going?” “I don’t know,” he answered.  “My father is too poor to keep me at home any longer and says that I must now make a living for myself.”  “There’s no problem with that,” said the captain. “Just be sure you start right and you’ll get along finely.” William told the captain that the only trade he knew was soap and candle making, because he helped his dad at home make these things.  “Well,” said the captain, “Let me pray with you and give you a little advice and then I’ll let you go.”

            They both kneeled down and the captain prayed earnestly for William then gave him this advice: “Someone will soon be the leading soap maker in New York.  It can be you as well as any one.  Be honest, give your heart to Christ, give the Lord all that belongs to Him of every dollar you earn, make a quality soap, give a full pound, and I am certain you will be a great and rich man.” 
            When William arrived in the city he could not find work.  Lonesome and far from home he remembered his mother’s words and the words of the captain.  He decided to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and start going to church.  He remembered his promise to the captain and the first dollar he earned brought up the question of what belonged to the Lord.  He searched the Bible and found that the Jews were commanded to pay one-tenth (a tithe) to the Lord.  So he said, “If the Lord will take a tenth I will give that.”  And so he did and ten cents of every dollar was sacred to the Lord. 
            Soon having regular work he became a partner and after a few years his partner died. William became the sole owner of the business. He kept his promise and made a quality soap, giving a full pound, and instructed his bookkeeper to open an account with the Lord and place one-tenth of all his income in that account.  He prospered!  His business grew!  His family was blessed!  His soap sold and he grew rich faster than he had anticipated.  He then gave the Lord 20% and prospered more than ever.  Then he gave three-tenths, four-tenths, and eventually 50%.  He educated his family, settled all his plans for life, and gave all of his income to the Lord.  He prospered more than ever. 
            This is a brief documented true story of William Colgate.  He gave millions of dollars to the cause of Christ and left a name that is world-wide.  He comprehended the truth of Malachi 3:10-12.  Most have a regular time for washing their face, combing their hair, brushing their teeth.  It is a daily routine.  If most people are like me they do not have a regular time for washing their car, and it shows.  Giving to God is like that. It must be a regularly scheduled part of our life.  If not, it doesn’t get done and it shows.  For more info you can visit us online at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com.