Chapter 24—Economy and Thrift
Eliminate Extravagant Habits—Teach your children that God
has a claim upon all they possess, and that nothing can ever cancel
this claim; all they have is theirs only in trust, to prove whether they
will be obedient. Money is a needed treasure; let it not be lavished
upon those who do not need it. Someone needs your willing gifts.... If
you have extravagant habits, cut them away from the life as soon as
possible. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eternity. And
habits of economy, industry, and sobriety are, even in this world, a
better portion for you and your children than a rich dowry
Instruct the Children in Economy—The light given me now by
the Lord is that we are to be careful not to spend our precious time
and money unwisely. Many things may suit our fancy, but we are to
guard against the expenditure of money for that which is not bread.
We shall need much means to advance the work decidedly in our
cities. Everyone is to have a part to act in the Lord’s work. Parents
are to instruct their children in lessons of economy, in order that the
younger members of the flock may learn to share the responsibility of
supporting the cause of God at this time
Love Not Expressed by Extravagance—Practice economy in
your homes. By many idols are cherished and worshiped. Put away
your idols. Give up your selfish pleasure. Do not, I beg of you, absorb
means in embellishing your houses; for it is God’s money, and it will
be required of you again. Parents, for Christ’s sake do not use the
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Lord’s money to please the fancies of your children. Do not teach
them to seek after style and ostentation in order to obtain an influence
in the world....
Do not educate your children to think that your love for them must
be expressed by indulging their pride, their extravagance, their love of
display. There is no time now to invent ways of using money. Your
1
Manuscript 139, 1898
.
2
Letter 4, 1911
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