By precept and example, teach self-denial,
economy, largeheartedness, and self-reliance. Everyone who has
a true character will be qualified to cope with difficulties
and will be prompt in following a "Thus saith the Lord."
Men are not prepared to understand their obligation to God until
they have learned in Christ's school to wear His yoke of restraint
and obedience. Sacrifice is the very beginning of our work in
advancing the truth and in establishing institutions. It is an
essential part of education. Sacrifice must become habitual in
all our character building in this life if we would have a building
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Through erroneous ideas regarding the use
of money the youth are exposed to many dangers. They are not
to be carried along and supplied with money as if there were
an inexhaustible supply from which they could draw to gratify
every supposed need. Money is to be regarded as a gift entrusted
to us of God to do His work, to build up His kingdom, and the
youth should learn to restrict their desires. Teach that none
may prostitute their powers in self-pleasing and self-gratification.
Those whom God has endowed with ability to acquire means are
under obligation to Him to use that means, through
heaven's imparted wisdom, to His name's glory.
Every shilling wasted on self-indulgence, or given to special
friends who will spend it to indulge pride and selfishness, is
robbing God's treasury. The money expended for garments to make
a pleasing show is so much that might have been used to advance
the cause of God in new places. Oh, that God would give all a
true sense of what it means to be a Christian! It is to be Christlike,
and Christ lived not to please Himself.