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Counsels for the Church
Neglect of Essentials Is Not Economy
God is not honored when the body is neglected or abused and is
thus unfitted for His service. To care for the body by providing for it
food that is relishable and strengthening is one of the first duties of
the householder. It is far better to have less expensive clothing and
furniture than to stint the supply of food.
Some householders stint the family table in order to provide expen-
sive entertainment for visitors. This is unwise. In the entertainment of
guests there should be greater simplicity. Let the needs of the family
have first attention.
Unwise economy and artificial customs often prevent the exercise
of hospitality where it is needed and would be a blessing. The regular
supply of food for our tables should be such that the unexpected guest
can be made welcome without burdening the housewife to make extra
preparation
Economy does not mean niggardliness, but a prudent expenditure
of means because there is a great work to be done.
God does not require that His people should deprive themselves
of that which is really necessary for their health and comfort, but He
does not approve of wantonness and extravagance and display
[156]
Duty of Parents in Teaching the Children
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
The natural turn of youth in this age is to neglect and despise
economy, and to confound it with stinginess and narrowness. But
economy is consistent with the most broad and liberal views and
feelings; there can be no true generosity where it is not practiced. No
203
The Ministry of Healing, 322
204
The Adventist Home, 378, 379
205
Child Guidance, 134