Importance of Economy
91
are sustained at every position of trust. The lack of thoroughness is
apparent. While some have borne the burdens of care and responsi-
bility, others, instead of sharing these burdens, have pursued a course
to increase anxiety and care. Those who have not learned the lesson
of economy, and acquired the habit of making the most of their time
in childhood and youth will not be prudent and economical in any
business in which they engage. It is a sin to neglect to so improve
our faculties that they may be used to the glory of God. All have
responsibilities to bear; not one can be excused.
There is a variety of minds, and all need more or less cultivation
and training. Every moment in connection with the cause of God
should be characterized by caution and decision. Without decision,
an individual is fickle and unstable as water, and can never be truly
successful. All who profess Christ should be workers. There are no
drones in the household of faith. Every member of the family has some
task assigned him, some portion of the vineyard of the Lord in which
to work. The only way to meet the demand of God is to be constantly
persevering in our endeavors for higher usefulness. It is but little we
can accomplish at best, but every day’s effort will increase our ability
[108]
to labor effectually and to bear fruit to the glory of God.—
Testimonies
for the Church 4:452-454
.
Thoughtful Care in Use of Material and Machinery—Again,
losses occur from lack of thoughtful care in the use of material and
machinery. There is a failure to look after all the larger and smaller
matters, that nothing be wasted or damaged through neglect....
By a lack of personal interest many things go to waste which a few
moments’ thoughtful attention at the right time would save. “I forgot”
causes much loss to our offices. And some feel no interest in any
work or in anything which does not come under their special branch
of the work. This is all wrong. Selfishness would suggest the thought,
“It does not belong to me to care for that;” but faithfulness and duty
would prompt everyone to care for all that comes under his observation.
The example of the head workers in the bindery is followed by the
hands employed; all become careless and reckless; and an amount is
wasted equal to their wages. A caretaking person at the head of the
work would save hundreds of dollars yearly to the office in that one
department.