Living In The Light

May 19, Counsels To A Young Man To Economize And Save

He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.”
—John 6:12 LL 149.1

It is certain you have not economized in everything, or you would now have something to show as the result of that wise economy which is praiseworthy in any young man. To carefully reserve a portion of each week’s wages, and lay by a certain sum every week which is not to be touched, should be your rule. . . . LL 149.2

Diligence in business, abstinence from pleasure, even privation so long as health is not endangered, should be cheerfully maintained by a young man in your circumstances, and you would have a little competency untouched should you become sick, that the charities of others would not be your dependence. You have needlessly expended much means which now might be on interest and you be having some returns. LL 149.3

You are in danger of being too liberal when there is a call for means. Selfishness has something to do even with this. You wish to be thought of as having plenty of means at your command, and you also wish not to be behind others when there is a demand for means. This failing is not to be condemned, unless you are liberal before you are just, and do not quickly settle your just debts. . . . LL 149.4

. . . You might have had, even from your limited wages, means in reserve for any demand. It might have been invested in a lot of land which would be increasing in value. But for a young man to live up to the last dollar he earns shows a great lack of calculation and discernment. LL 149.5

Since mortals have bodies and heads and hearts to be provided for, some provision for the body must be made in order to hold a proper position in the world. Not to meet the world’s standards—oh, no, no indeed; but to be of influence in the world for good.—Letter 41, 1877. LL 149.6

Further Reflection: How might you educate yourself in the area of finance and stewardship of God’s resources so that you understand how to care for money entrusted to you? Pray that God will grant the wisdom for you to know when to spend, when to give, and when to save. LL 149.7