Christ and His disciples did not devote the time they spent in seclusion to pleasure seeking. They talked together regarding the work of God and the possibility of greater effectiveness. Christ corrected their errors and made plain to them the right way of approaching the people. They were vitalized by divine power and inspired with hope and courage. HH 164.3
When Jesus said that the harvest was great and the laborers few, He did not urge endless work, but said, “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38. God would not have a few workers crushed with responsibilities while others have no burden, no urgency of heart. HH 164.4
Christ’s words of compassion apply to His workers today: “Come aside by yourselves ... and rest a while.” It is not wise to be always under the strain of ministering to other people’s spiritual needs, for in this way, we neglect personal piety and overtax soul and body. God requires self-denial, but we must be careful that Satan does not take advantage of our human weakness, and the work of God be damaged. HH 164.5
As activity increases and we become successful in doing any work for God, there is a tendency to pray less and to have less faith. We lose sight of our dependence on God and seek to make a savior out of our activity. It is Christ’s power that does the work. We must take time for meditation, prayer, and study of the Word. Only the work accomplished with much prayer and sanctified by Christ’s merit will prove effective for good in the end. HH 164.6