102. Training in Self-Support
Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 192b-194a.
It is God’s purpose that the rich and the poor shall be closely bound together by the ties of sympathy and helpfulness.
“Sympathy” is step 2 of Christ’s method and “helpfulness” is step 3.
The Aim
People become,
- Industrious
- Self-supporting
How to Reform
Assisted by those with,
- Means
- Talents
- Capabilities
Who,
- Help, assist
- Encourage
- Instruct, educate
What is Taught
- Proper methods, to those willing to listen and
- Demonstration of what can be done with “proper” work
And this is not just farming. The industries and “lines of useful labour” mentioned are carpentry and blacksmiths. What are the equivalent industries today?
Ellen lists some things that women should master (and men would benefit from them too)
- Cooking
- Housekeeping
- Sewing and mending clothes
- Home nursing
The narrow plans, the little strength put forth, the little study as to the best methods, call loudly for reform.
Most of us these days are not on the land. We don’t have orchards and fields but what areas of your life call loudly for reform?..
May I suggest that these areas in your own life are the very areas that you need to master, and when they are producing a “rich harvest” you can then demonstrate and teach the “ignorant and unemployed” to master them too.
Then the cycle goes on, because once they master this area, they then have means, talents and capabilities,
Those who have means, talents, and capabilities are to use these gifts in blessing their fellow men.
Index to “The Ministry of Healing” readings.
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