Lessons in Economy
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that we had earned at our trade, my sister and I provided ourselves
with clothes. We would hand our money to mother, saying, “Buy, so
that after we have paid for our clothing, there will be something left to
give for missionary work.” And she would do this, thus encouraging
in us a missionary spirit.
The giving that is the fruit of self-denial is a wonderful help to the
giver. It imparts an education that enables us more fully to comprehend
the work of Him who went about doing good, relieving the suffering,
and supplying the needs of the destitute. The Saviour lived not to
please Himself. In His life there was not trace of selfishness. Though
in a world that He himself had created, He claimed no part of it as His
home. “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests,” He said;
“but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.”
Proper Use of Talents
If we make the best use of our talents, the Spirit of God will
continually lead us to greater efficiency. To the man who had faithfully
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traded with his talents the Lord said, “Well done, good and faithful
servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” The one-
talented man was also expected to do his best. Had he traded with his
lord’s goods, the Lord would have multiplied the talent.
To every man God has given his work, “according to his several
ability.” God has the measure of our ability, and knows just what to
lay upon us. Of the one who is found faithful, the command is given,
Intrust him with greater responsibility. If he proves faithful to that
trust, the word is given again, Trust him with still more. Thus through
the grace of Christ he grows to the full measure of a man in Christ
Jesus.
Have you only one talent? Put it out to the exchangers, by wise
investment increasing it to two. Do with your might what your hands
find to do. Use your talent so wisely that it will fulfil its appointed
mission. It will be worth everything to you to hear the words spoken
to you at last. “Well done.” But only to those who have done well will
the “Well done” be spoken.