Very much more might be done for Christ
if all who have the light of truth would practice the truth.
There are whole families who might be missionaries, engaging
in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and
active brains, devising new methods for the success of His work.
There are earnest, prudent, warmhearted
men and women who could do much for Christ if they would give
themselves to God, drawing near to Him and seeking Him with the
whole heart.
My brethren and sisters, take an active
part in the work of soulsaving. This work will give life and
vigor to the mental and spiritual powers. Light from Christ will
shine into the mind. The Saviour will abide in your hearts, and
in His light you will see light.
Consecrate yourselves wholly to the work
of God. He is your strength, and He will be at your right hand,
helping you to carry on His merciful designs. By personal labor
reach those around you. Become acquainted with them. Preaching
will not do the work that needs to be done. Angels of God attend
you to the dwellings of those you visit. This work cannot be
done by proxy. Money lent or given will not accomplish it. Sermons
will not do it. By visiting the people, talking, praying, sympathizing
with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary
work that you can do. To do it, you will need resolute, persevering
faith, unwearying patience, and a deep love for souls.
Find access to the people in whose neighborhood
you live. As you tell them of the truth, use words of Christlike
sympathy. Remember that the Lord Jesus is the Master Worker.
He waters the seed sown. He puts into your minds words that will
reach hearts. Expect that God will sustain the consecrated, unselfish
worker. Obedience, childlike faith, trust in God--these will
bring peace and joy. Work disinterestedly, lovingly, patiently,
for all with whom you are brought into contact. Show no impatience.
Utter not one unkind word. Let the love of Christ be in your
hearts, the law of kindness on your lips.
It is a mystery that there are not hundreds
at work where now there is but one. The heavenly universe is
astonished at the apathy, the coldness, the listlessness of those
who profess to be sons and daughters of God. In the truth there
is a living power. Go forth in faith, and proclaim the truth
as if you believed it. Let those for whom you labor see that
to you it is indeed a living reality.