How We Often Repeat Andrew’s Unbelief

Christ has directed us, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. But how often our faith fails us, as we see how great the need is and how small the resources in our hands. Like Andrew, we often hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, afraid to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has instructed us, “You give them something to eat.” Behind His command is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea.HH 168.3

In Christ’s act is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers. Christ received from the Father; He gave to the disciples; they distributed to the crowd, and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life and give it to others. Jesus took the little loaves, and although there was only a little portion for His own disciples, He did not invite them to eat, but began to distribute to them, instructing them serve the people. The food multiplied in His hands; and the hands of the disciples, reaching out to Christ, were never empty. After feeding the people, Christ and His disciples ate together of the Heaven-supplied food.HH 168.4

The disciples were the channel of communication between Christ and the people. The most intelligent, the most spiritual, can give only as they receive. We can share only what we receive from Christ, and we can receive only as we share with others. And the more we give, the more we will receive.HH 168.5

Too often the workers for Christ fail to realize their personal responsibility. They are in danger of shifting their burden on organizations instead of relying on Him who is the Source of all strength. Successful work for Christ depends not so much on talent as on earnest, dependent faith. Instead of shifting your responsibility on someone you think is more richly endowed than you are, work according to your ability. When the question comes home to your heart, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” do not let your answer be the response of unbelief. When people are completely lacking the bread of life, should we send for someone from far away to come and feed them? Christ said, “Make the people sit down,” and He fed them there. So when you are surrounded by people in need, know that Christ is there. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus. The little that we use wisely in the service of the Lord will increase in the very act of sharing.HH 168.6

The Lord says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.” Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:10, 11, NRSV.HH 169.1