Self-Denial
When I see our people spending money for needless trimmings, needless furnishings, I think of Jesus. He might have come to this world adorned with the glory of His kingly power. But He chose a life of self-denial and sacrifice. He came to this world in the garb of humanity. Those who follow in His footsteps will remember that every dollar they can spare is needed in the work that God has said shall be done in this world.
When our sisters are buying and making up their own and their children's garments, let them think of the work in the Lord's vineyard that is still waiting to be done. It is right to buy good material, and to have it carefully made. This is economy. But rich trimmings are not needed, and to indulge in them, is to spend for self-gratification money that should be put into God's cause.
My sisters, remember that Christ clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this world to uplift fallen human beings, that they might stand on vantage ground, thus escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. He gave His all to the work He came to do, and His word to us is, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me," "So shall he be My disciple."
AUCR, September 1, 1904