If our ministers realized how soon the
inhabitants of the world are to be arraigned before the judgment
seat of God, to answer for the deeds done in the body, how earnestly
they would work together with God to present the truth! How untiringly
they would labor to advance God's cause in the world, proclaiming
in word and deed: "The end of all things is at hand."
1 Peter 4:7.
"Prepare to meet thy God" is
the message we are everywhere to proclaim. The trumpet is to
give a certain sound. Clearly and distinctly the warning is to
ring out: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. . . .
Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:2-4.
The words of this scripture are to be fulfilled. Soon the last
test is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. At that
time prompt decisions will be made. Those who have been convicted
under the presentation of the word will range themselves under
the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. They will see and
understand as never before they have missed many opportunities
for doing the good they ought to have done.
They will realize that they have not worked as zealously as they
should, to seek and save the lost, to snatch them, as it were,
out of the fire.
God's servants are to be "not slothful
in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Listlessness
and inefficiency are not piety. When we realize that we are working
for God we shall have a higher sense than we have ever had before
of the sacredness of spiritual service. This realization will
put life and vigilance and persevering energy into the discharge
of every duty.
Religion, pure, undefiled religion, is
intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, wholehearted labor
will avail in the saving of souls. We are to make our everyday
duties acts of devotion, constantly increasing in usefulness,
because we see our work in the light of eternity.
Our work has been marked out for us by
our heavenly Father. We are to take our Bibles and go forth to
warn the world. We are to be God's helping hands in saving souls--channels
through which His love is day by day to flow to the perishing.
The realization of the great work in which he has the privilege
of taking part, ennobles and sanctifies the true worker. He is
filled with the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.
Nothing is drudgery to the one who submits to the will of God.
Doing it unto the Lord" is a thought that throws a charm
over whatever work God gives him to do.
Carry on all your work on strictly religious
principles. Let your earnest inquiry be: What can I do to please
the Master?" Visit places where the believers need encouragement
and help. At every step ask: Is this the way of the Lord? Am
I, in spirit, in word, in action, in harmony with His will?"
If you labor for God with an eye single to His glory, your work
will bear the divine mold, and
you will be carrying out the Lord's purposes.
In your study of the word of God, penetrate
deeper and still deeper beneath the surface. Lay hold by faith
on divine power and sound the depths of inspiration. Bring into
your ministry the power of God, remembering that the Lord is
behind you. Let His love shine through all you do and say. Let
the truth, the precious, simple truth of the word of God, shine
out in full brightness. Humble self before God. Christ will be
your efficiency. He has appointed you as rulers over His household,
to give meat in due season. Christ's laborers are very near His
heart of love. He desires to perfect His household through the
perfection of His ministers.
Christ is the sympathetic, compassionate
Redeemer. In His sustaining power, men and women become strong
to resist evil. As the convicted sinner looks at sin, it becomes
to him exceeding sinful. He wonders that he did not come to Christ
before. He sees that his faults must be overcome and that his
appetites and passions must be subjected to God's will, that
he must be a partaker of the divine nature, having overcome the
corruption that is in the world through lust. Having repented
of his transgression of God's law, he strives earnestly to overcome
sin. He seeks to reveal the power of Christ's grace, and he is
brought into personal touch with the Saviour. Constantly he keeps
Christ before him. Praying, believing, receiving the blessings
he needs, he comes nearer and nearer to God's standard for him.
New virtues are revealed in his character
as he denies self and lifts the cross, following where Christ
leads the way. He loves the Lord Jesus with his whole heart,
and Christ becomes his wisdom,
his righteousness, his sanctification, and his redemption.
Christ is our example, our inspiration,
our exceeding great reward. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye
are God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9. God is the Master
Builder, but man has a part to act. He is to co-operate with
God. "We are laborers together with God." Verse 9.
Never forget the words: "together with God." "Work
out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
Philippians 2:12, 13. The miracle-working power of Christ's grace
is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life,
a holier enthusiasm. God says: A new heart also will I give you."
Ezekiel 36:26. Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest
miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do
who by faith takes hold of the divine power?
Remember that in working with Christ as
your personal Saviour lies your strength and your victory. This
is the part all are to act. Christ is the way, the truth, and
the life. He declares: "Without Me ye can do nothing."
John 15:5. And the repentant, believing soul responds: I can
do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians
4:13. To those who do this comes the assurance: As many as received
Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." John
1:12.