Chapter 66—The Dignity of Labor
It was God’s purpose to alleviate by toil the evil brought into the
world by man’s disobedience. By toil the temptations of Satan might
be made ineffectual, and the tide of evil stayed. And though attended
with anxiety, weariness, and pain, labor is still a source of happiness
and development, and a safeguard against temptation. Its discipline
places a check on self-indulgence, and promotes industry, purity, and
firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God’s great plan for our recovery
from the fall.
Manual Labor Versus Games
The public feeling is that manual labor is degrading, yet men
may exert themselves as much as they choose at cricket, baseball, or
in pugilistic contests, without being regarded as degraded. Satan is
delighted when he sees human beings using their physical and mental
powers in that which does not educate, which is not useful, which does
not help them to be a blessing to those who need their help. While
the youth are becoming expert in games that are of no real value to
themselves or to others, Satan is playing the game of life for their
souls. Taking from them the talents that God has given them, and
placing in their stead his own evil attributes. It is his effort to lead men
to ignore God. He seeks to engross and absorb the mind so completely
that God will find no place in the thoughts. He does not wish people to
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have a knowledge of their Maker, and he is well pleased if he can set
in operation games and theatrical performances that will so confuse
the senses of the youth that God and heaven will be forgotten.
One of the surest safeguards against evil is useful occupation, while
idleness is one of the greatest curses; for vice, crime, and poverty
follow in its wake. Those who are always busy, who go cheerfully
about their daily tasks, are the useful members of society. In the
faithful discharge of the various duties that lie in their pathway, they
make their lives a blessing to themselves and to others. Diligent labor
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