Economy to be Practiced
291
To all comes the temptation to gratify selfish, extravagant desires,
but let us remember that the Lord of life and glory came to this world
to teach humanity the lesson of self-denial
Those who do not live for self will not use up every dollar meeting
their supposed wants and supplying their conveniences, but will bear
in mind that they are Christ’s followers, and that there are others who
are in need of food and clothing
Economize to Help God’s Cause—Much might be said to the
young people regarding their privilege to help the cause of God by
learning lessons of economy and self-denial. Many think that they
must indulge in this pleasure and that, and in order to do this, they
accustom themselves to live up to the full extent of their income. God
wants us to do better in this respect. We sin against ourselves when
we are satisfied with enough to eat and drink and wear. God has
something higher than this before us. When we are willing to put
away our selfish desires and give the powers of heart and mind to the
work of the cause of God, heavenly agencies will co-operate with us,
making us a blessing to humanity.
Even though he may be poor, the youth who is industrious and
economical can save a little for the cause of God
When Tempted to Needless Spending—When you are tempted
to spend money for knickknacks, you should remember the self-denial
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and self-sacrifice that Christ endured to save fallen man. Our children
should be taught to exercise self-denial and self-control. The reason so
many ministers feel that they have a hard time in financial matters is
that they do not bind about their tastes, their appetites and inclinations.
The reason so many men become bankrupt and dishonestly appropriate
means is because they seek to gratify the extravagant tastes of their
wives and children. How careful should fathers and mothers be to
teach economy by precept and example to their children
I wish I could impress on every mind the grievous sinfulness of
wasting the Lord’s money on fancied wants. The expenditure of sums
that look small may start a train of circumstances that will reach into
eternity. When the judgment shall sit, and the books are opened, the
3
Letter 4a, 1902
.
4
The Review and Herald, August 21, 1894
.
5
The Youth’s Instructor, September 10, 1907
.
6
Letter 11, 1888
.