Let nothing be
wasted!
"Gather the fragments that are
left over. Let nothing be wasted!" John 6:12
It seems remarkable, that He who so easily could
multiply the five loaves into an abundant meal for thousands,
should be so particular about 'saving the fragments'. But Jesus
would teach us economy. No matter how great our abundance, we
should take care of the 'fragments'. After we have eaten at our
tables, there are hungry people who would be glad for the pieces
that are left over.
This applies also to the fragments of time. Many busy
people waste whole years of time in their life—in the minutes
which they lose every day! If at the end of a year they could
gather up all these 'fragments', they would have many basketfuls
of golden time in which they might do much good!
Likewise, we should not waste our strength. Many people
waste their bodily energy, using it in play, or useless
amusements, when it belongs to God—and ought to be employed to
its last particle for His glory!
Likewise, we should not waste our affections by allowing
them to be given to unworthy objects or people.
There is no limit to the application of this principle. We must
give account of everything we have, even the minutes of time,
the little fractions of strength, and the smallest bits of bread
on our tables!
- J. R. Miller, Miller's Year Book—a Year's
Daily Readings
