Living In The Light

May 17, An Example From Experience

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion.
—Proverbs 3:21 LL 147.1

Even though they may be poor, youth who are industrious and economical can save a little for the cause of God. When I was only twelve years old, I knew what it was to economize. With my sister I learned a trade, and although we would earn only twenty-five cents a day, from this sum we were able to save a little to give to missions. We saved little by little until we had thirty dollars. Then when the message of the Lord’s soon coming came to us, with a call for people and means, we felt it a privilege to hand over the thirty dollars to father, asking him to invest it in tracts and pamphlets to send the message to those who were in darkness. LL 147.2

It is the duty of all who touch the work of God to learn economy in the use of time and money. Those who indulge in idleness reveal that they attach little importance to the glorious truths committed to us. They need to be educated in habits of industry, and to learn to work with an eye single to the glory of God. . . . LL 147.3

Those who have not good judgment in the use of time and money, should advise with those who have had experience. With the money that we had earned at our trade, my sister and I provided ourselves with clothes. We would hand our money to mother, saying, “Buy, so that after we have paid for our clothing, there will be something left to give for missionary work.” And she would do this, thus encouraging in us a missionary spirit. LL 147.4

The giving that is the fruit of self-denial, is a wonderful help to the giver. It imparts an education that enables us more fully to comprehend the work of Him who went about doing good, relieving the suffering, and supplying the needs of the destitute. The Savior lived not to please Himself. In His life there was no trace of selfishness. Though in a world that He Himself had created, He claimed no part of it as His home. “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests,” He said; “but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” LL 147.5

If we make the best use of our talents, the Spirit of God will continually lead us to greater efficiency.— The Youth’s Instructor , September 10, 1907. LL 147.6

Further Reflection: How can I partner with my children and those in my care to encourage a spirit of giving? LL 147.7