Helping the Poor to Help Themselves
143
Physical Effort and Moral Power Required—Physical effort
and moral power are to be united in our endeavors to regenerate and
reform. We are to seek to gain knowledge in both temporal and spiritual
lines, that we may communicate it to others. We are to seek to live out
the gospel in all its bearings, that its temporal and spiritual blessings
may be felt all around us.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:189
.
Unwittingly Injured—We may err in making gifts to the poor
which are not a blessing to them, leading them to feel that they need
not exert themselves and practice economy, for others will not permit
them to suffer. We should not give countenance to indolence or encour-
age habits of self-gratification by affording means for indulgence.—
Historical Sketches, 293
.
You may give to the poor, and injure them, because you teach them
[200]
to be dependent. Instead, teach them to support themselves. This will
be true help. The needy must be placed in positions where they can
help themselves.—
Manuscript 46, 1898
.
Not to Be Supported in Idleness—The Word of God teaches that
if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. The Lord does not require
the hard-working man to support those who are not diligent. There is
a waste of time, a lack of effort, which brings to poverty and want. If
these faults are not seen and corrected by those who indulge them, all
that might be done in their behalf is like putting treasure into a basket
with holes. But there is an unavoidable poverty, and we are to manifest
tenderness and compassion toward those who are unfortunate.—
The
Review and Herald, January 3, 1899
.
Poor to Seek Counsel—There is a class of poor brethren who
are not free from temptation. They are poor managers, they have not
wise judgment, they wish to obtain means without waiting the slow
process of persevering toil. Some are in such haste to better their
condition that they engage in various enterprises without consulting
men of good judgment and experience. Their expectations are seldom
realized; instead of gaining, they lose, and then come temptation and
a disposition to envy the rich. They really want to be benefited by
the wealth of their brethren, and feel tried because they are not. But
they are not worthy of receiving special help. They have evidence
that their efforts have been scattered. They have been changeable in
business and full of anxiety and cares which bring but small returns.
Such persons should listen to the counsel of those of experience. But