There is earnest work for every pair of
hands to do. Let every stroke tell for the uplifting of humanity.
There are so many that need to be helped. The heart of him who
lives, not to please himself, but to be a blessing to those who
have so few blessings, will thrill with satisfaction. Let every
idler awake and face the realities of life. Take the word of
God and search its pages. If you are doers of the word, life
will indeed be to you a living reality, and you will find that
the reward is abundant.
The Lord has a place for everyone in His
great plan. Talents that are not needed are not bestowed. Supposing
that the talent is small. God has a place for it, and that one
talent, if faithfully used, will do the very work God designs
that it should do. The talents
of the humble cottager are needed in the house-to-house labor
and can accomplish more in this work than brilliant gifts.
A thousand doors of usefulness are open
before us. We lament the scanty resources at present available,
while various and urgent demands are pressing us for means and
men. Were we thoroughly in earnest, even now we could multiply
the resources a hundredfold. Selfishness and self-indulgence
bar the way.
Church members, let the light shine forth.
Let your voices be heard in humble prayer, in witness against
intemperance, the folly, and the amusements of this world, and
in the proclamation of the truth for this time. Your voice, your
influence, your time-all these are gifts from God and are to
be used in winning souls to Christ.
Visit your neighbors and show an interest
in the salvation of their souls. Arouse every spiritual energy
to action. Tell those whom you visit that the end of all things
is at hand. The Lord Jesus Christ will open the door of their
hearts and will make upon their minds lasting impressions.
Strive to arouse men and women from their
spiritual insensibility. Tell them how you found Jesus and how
blessed you have been since you gained an experience in His service.
Tell them what blessing comes to you as you sit at the feet of
Jesus and learn precious lessons from His word. Tell them of
the gladness and joy that there is in the Christian life. Your
warm, fervent words will convince them that you have found the
pearl of great price. Let your cheerful, encouraging words show
that you have certainly found the higher way. This is genuine
missionary work, and as it is done, many will awake as from a
dream.
Even while engaged in their daily employment,
God's people can lead others to Christ. And while doing this
they will have the precious assurance that the Saviour is close
beside them. They need not think that they are left to depend
on their own feeble efforts. Christ will give them words to speak
that will refresh and encourage and strengthen poor, struggling
souls who are in darkness. Their own faith will be strengthened
as they realize that the Redeemer's promise is being fulfilled.
Not only are they a blessing to others, but the work they do
for Christ brings blessing to themselves.
There are many who can and should do the work of which I have spoken. My brother, my sister, what are you doing for Christ? Are you seeking to be a blessing to others? Are your lips uttering words of kindness, sympathy, and love? Are you putting forth earnest efforts to win others to the Saviour?