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Helpless Poor
139
prepared to become useful members of society, an honor to Christ,
and a help to others.
Many despise economy, equating it with stinginess and narrow-
ness. But economy is consistent with the broadest liberality. Indeed,
without economy there can be no true liberality. We are to save that
we may give.
No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only
by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible
for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ’s representa-
tives. Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In
all our work the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ’s life is
to be carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, and the
furnishings, we are to read, “Bring to your house the poor who are
cast out.” On our wardrobes we are to see written, as with the finger
of God, “Clothe the naked.” In the dining room, on the table laden
with abundant food, we should see traced, “Is it not to share your
bread with the hungry?”
Isaiah 58:7
.
A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we
lament the scanty resources available, but if Christians were thor-
oughly in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousandfold.
It is selfishness, selfindulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness.
How much money is expended for things that are mere idols,
things that engross thought and time and strength that should be put
to a higher use! How much means is wasted on expensive houses
and furniture, on selfish pleasures, luxurious and unwholesome
food, hurtful indulgences! How much is squandered on gifts that
benefit no one! For things that are needless, often harmful, professed
Christians are today spending more, many times more, than they
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spend in seeking to rescue souls from the tempter.
Many who profess to be Christians spend so much on dress that
they have nothing to spare for the needs of others. They think they
must have costly ornaments and expensive clothing regardless of the
needs of those who have difficulty providing themselves with even
the plainest clothing.
My sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into
conformity with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an
abundance with which to help your poorer sisters. You would have
not only means but time. Often this is most needed. There are many