Hope and Courage

We can do nothing without courage and perseverance. Speak words of hope and courage to the poor and the disheartened. If need be, give tangible proof of your interest by helping them when they face difficult situations. Those who have had many advantages should remember that they themselves still err in many things, and that it is painful to them when their errors are pointed out and they are shown an inspiring pattern of what they should be. Remember that kindness will accomplish more than censure. As you try to teach others, let them see that you wish them to reach the highest standard, and that you are ready to give them help. If in some things they fail, do not be quick to condemn them.MHH 104.2

Simplicity, self-denial, economy—lessons essential for the poor to learn—often seem to them difficult and unwelcome. The example and spirit of the world is constantly exciting and fostering pride, love of display, self-indulgence, extravagance, and idleness. These evils bring thousands to poverty and prevent thousands more from rising out of degradation and wretchedness. Christians are to encourage the poor to resist these influences.MHH 104.3

Jesus came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth. Though He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Commander of all the angel host, He humbled Himself to accept humanity, and then He chose a life of poverty and humiliation. He had no opportunities that today’s poor do not have. Toil, hardship, and privation were part of His everyday experience. “‘Foxes have holes,’” He said, “‘and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’” Luke 9:58.MHH 104.4

Jesus did not seek admiration or applause from the people. He commanded no army. He ruled no earthly kingdom. He did not court the favor of the wealthy and honored of the world. He did not claim a position among the leaders of the nation. He lived among the lowly. He repudiated the artificial distinctions of society. He ignored the aristocracy of birth, wealth, talent, learning, rank.MHH 104.5

He was the Prince of heaven, yet He did not choose His disciples from among the learned lawyers, rulers, scribes, or Pharisees. He passed these by, because they prided themselves on their learning and position. They were fixed in their traditions and superstitions. He who could read all hearts chose humble fishermen who were willing to be taught. He ate with publicans and sinners and mingled with the common people, not to become low and earthly with them but by precept and example to present to them right principles and to uplift them from their earthliness and debasement.MHH 104.6

Jesus sought to correct the world’s false standard of how to judge the value of people. He took His position with the poor so that He might lift from poverty the stigma that the world had attached to it. He has stripped from it forever the reproach of scorn by blessing the poor, the inheritors of God’s kingdom. He points us to the path He trod, saying, “‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23.MHH 105.1

Christian workers are to meet the people where they are and educate them, not in pride but in character building. Teach them how Christ worked and denied Himself. Help them to learn from Him the lessons of self-denial and sacrifice. Teach them to beware of self-indulgence in conforming to fashion. Life is too valuable, too full of solemn, sacred responsibilities, to be wasted in pleasing self.MHH 105.2