MH page 206

Those in charge of such a home should be men and women who are largehearted, cultured, and self- sacrificing; men and women who undertake the work from love to Christ and who train the children for Him. Under such care many homeless and neglected ones may be prepared to become useful members of society, an honor to Christ themselves, and in their turn helping others.

Caregivers in homes for the homeless should be dedicated individuals who prepare residents for useful lives. Outlines qualitative standards for personnel in care institutions and their general social impact.

Many despise economy, confounding it with stinginess and narrowness. But economy is consistent with the broadest liberality. Indeed, without economy, there can be no true liberality. We are to save, that we may give.

True financial liberality requires systematic economy so that one has resources available to give. Presents an ethical and practical principle regarding financial management and charitable giving.

No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ's representatives. Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In all our work the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ's life is to be carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, the furnishings, we are to read, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” On our wardrobes we are to see written, as with the finger of God, “Clothe the naked.” In the dining room, on the table laden with abundant food, we should see traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry?” Isaiah 58:7 .

True benevolence and service require personal simplicity, self-denial, and prioritizing the needs of the poor and vulnerable. The paragraph teaches moral duties toward the poor and personal lifestyle choices based on biblical principles.

A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we lament the scanty resources available, but were Christians thoroughly in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousandfold. It is selfishness, self-indulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness.

Christians could greatly increase their capacity to help others by overcoming selfishness and dedicating available earnestness to useful work. The text offers a moral and motivational assertion regarding human capability, selfishness, and productivity.