A Test of Character

“‘You have the poor with you always,’” Christ said, “‘and whenever you wish you may do them good.’” “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Mark 14:7; James 1:27.MHH 109.5

Christ tests His professed followers by placing among them the helpless and the poor, to be dependent upon their care. Our love and service for His needy children prove the genuineness of our love for Him. To neglect them is to declare ourselves false disciples, strangers to Christ and His love.MHH 109.6

If we were to do all we could in providing homes in families for orphans, many others would still require care. Many have received an inheritance of evil. They are unpromising, unattractive, perverse, but they are the purchase of the blood of Christ, and in His sight are just as precious as are our own little ones. Unless a helping hand is held out to them, they will grow up in ignorance and drift into vice and crime. Many of these children could be rescued through the work of orphanages.MHH 110.1

Such institutions, to be most effective, should be modeled as closely as possible after the plan of a Christian home. Instead of large establishments, bringing great numbers together, there should be small institutions in a number of places. Instead of being in or near some town or large city, they should be in the country, where land can be secured for cultivation and the children can be brought into contact with nature and can have the benefits of industrial training.MHH 110.2

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, and a help to others.MHH 110.3

Many despise economy, equating 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.MHH 110.4

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, and the furnishings, we are to read, “Bring to your house the poor who are cast out.” 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 share your bread with the hungry?” Isaiah 58:7.MHH 110.5

A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we lament the scanty resources available, but if Christians were thoroughly in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousandfold. It is selfishness, self-indulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness.MHH 110.6

How much money is expended for things that are mere idols, things that engross thought and time and strength that should be put to a higher use! How much means is wasted on expensive houses and furniture, on selfish pleasures, luxurious and unwholesome food, hurtful indulgences! How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no one! For things that are needless, often harmful, professed Christians are today spending more, many times more, than they spend in seeking to rescue souls from the tempter.MHH 110.7

Many who profess to be Christians spend so much on dress that they have nothing to spare for the needs of others. They think they must have costly ornaments and expensive clothing regardless of the needs of those who have difficulty providing themselves with even the plainest clothing.MHH 111.1

My sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into conformity with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an abundance with which to help your poorer sisters. You would have not only means but time. Often this is most needed. There are many whom you might help with your suggestions, your tact and skill. Show them how to dress simply and yet tastefully. Many a woman remains away from the house of God because her shabby, ill-fitting garments are in such striking contrast to the dress of others. Many a sensitive spirit cherishes a sense of bitter humiliation and injustice because of this contrast. And because of it many are led to doubt the reality of religion and to harden their hearts against the gospel.MHH 111.2

Christ commands us, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” While thousands are every day perishing from famine, bloodshed, fire, and plague, everyone who loves people should see that nothing is wasted, that nothing is needlessly expended that might benefit a human being.MHH 111.3

It is wrong to waste our time, wrong to waste our thoughts. We lose every moment that we devote to self-seeking. If every moment were valued and rightly employed, we would have time for everything that we need to do for ourselves or for the world. In the expenditure of money, in the use of time, strength, opportunities, let every Christian look to God for guidance. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5.MHH 111.4

“‘Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.’” Luke 6:35.MHH 111.5

“He who hides his eyes will have many curses,” but “he who gives to the poor will not lack.” Proverbs 28:27.MHH 111.6

“‘Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.’” Luke 6:38.MHH 111.7