There has been, and still is, the greatest danger of one man meddling with another man's work, not from a disinterested desire to help him, but to confuse him. But the Lord has not given to the one who is neglecting his own work the outlines of his brother's work. How can he improve the methods of his fellow-worker by making suggestions and criticisms that only harass and discourage. If he will attend to his own work, the great Teacher will take the oversight of the work that, in His wisdom, He has entrusted to other hands.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 1

Christ is the One who gives His disciples their work. Read His answer to Peter when Peter asked Him concerning the work of John. “Lord, and what shall this man do?” Peter asked. And Jesus answered, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.”PUR November 17, 1904, par. 2

Today many are making the same mistake that Peter made. They are so busily engaged in trying to arrange their brother's work according to their own ideas that they neglect the work that God has placed in their hands. They lose a sense of the responsibility resting on them.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 3

Let us remember that one man may not understand the nature of the work that the next man has to do. He is not to feel that it is his place to tear to pieces what his brother is doing. He who attempts to unravel another man's work will find in his hands a tangle that he can not straighten.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 4

Let every man stand in his lot and place, doing faithfully the work given him. It is the questioning, criticizing spirit that is cherished which puts men in hard places. Let men humble their souls before God, realizing how sinful it is to criticize and condemn. Satan has his snares prepared for the feet of the one who is eager to place himself where God has not placed him.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 5

How rapidly God's work would move forward if, when a man received a work from God, he would put his whole attention on the faithful performance of this work, and if the next man, receiving his task, would also do with humility and fidelity the work entrusted to him, perfecting it in the simplicity of true faith and by earnest prayer.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 6

Let men cease to complain and criticize, and let them do their appointed work, guided by the Lord. Then the different parts of the work of God, varied in kind, and brought together by Christ, the Master-worker, will be found to fit perfectly.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 7

Trusting In God We are in danger of leaning upon human aid. It is only too true that man has educated himself to look to man for direction and guidance in spiritual service. Why can not each one fill the place given him, knowing that when he asks God for wisdom, it will be given liberally.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 8

Let us not place men where God should be. Let God's people expect everything from Him through Christ, believing that they will receive power from the highest source of power. Then we shall have grace to impart, because of the grace so richly given in response to the earnest, sincere prayer of faith.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 9

The coming of Christ is close at hand. We are laborers together with God, and as such we are to prepare the way for His coming. The way to the throne of grace is open. Every one who comes to Christ seeking for help will be taught how to accomplish His work with exactitude, so that it will harmonize with the work placed in other hands.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 10

Let every church-member depend on the strong arm that never fails. My brethren and sisters, lean your whole weight on Christ. Build your house on the sure foundation. Go forth in the power of the grace of God, quickened and sanctified, inspired with zeal by a study of His precepts and promises. Go forth as heralds of the Gospel. Enter into no controversy. We have a Leader to whom has been promised all power,—power against which the energies of earth and hell can not prevail. Remember that the best way to combat error is to present truth.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 11

Hold forth the word of life. Do not dwell on the objections advanced by those who oppose the truth. Speak the truth in simplicity. Let no word be spoken that will wound and bruise hearts.PUR November 17, 1904, par. 12

“It is written,”—the Word of the living God,—this is your weapon. This Word is “the sword of the Spirit,” “sharper than any two-edged sword.” It is the “sharp arrow” by which the wicked are slain. It is “the power of God unto salvation.”PUR November 17, 1904, par. 13

Ellen G. White

October 20, 1904

November 24, 1904