John 6:12-13 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Having by the miracle taught a lesson of beneficence, Christ now inculcates economy. I. THE SIN OF WASTEFULNESS. 1. It breaks the law which bids us "use the things of this world as not abusing them." 2. It is shameful ingratitude to our Father in heaven to waste that daily bread given to us in answer to prayer. 3. Every shilling needlessly squandered is a diminution of our power to do good. II. THE NATURE OF WASTEFULNESS. It is not confined to the destruction of the necessaries of life, but may fairly be extended to unprofitable consumption, 1. Fashion and vanity are great wasters. 2. Intemperance is waste — (1) Of bodily health. (2) Of the means of saving others from starvation. 3. Luxury is waste because (1) Frequently unnecessary. (2) Encouraging extravagance in children. III. HOW TO GUARD AGAINST WASTEFULNESS. 1. Not by niggardliness to the neglect of the duties of Christian hospitality, but in general by the rational enjoyment as against the perversion of the blessings of providence. 2. By everyone "ruling well his own house," impressing servants with the sin, folly, and dishonesty of wastefulness. 3. By preventing what is perishable from being spoiled through carelessness. 4. By preventing a consumption of the fruits of the earth by overfeeding such animals as are kept chiefly for pleasure. IV. THE BENEFITS OF FRUGALITY. 1. The cultivation of good habits; temperance, charity, etc. 2. Addition to the sum of human happiness. (J. Hewlett, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. |
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