October 29, 1903

In the Master's Service

EGW

Let men who are truly converted offer themselves to the service of the Lord; for verily, he has need of them. Emptied of selfishness, they will be vessels unto honor. Partakers of the divine nature, they will be light-bearers in a world of darkness. Their influence will be a savor of life unto life.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 1

God has appointed us to be laborers together with him, and we are to work zealously for the Redeemer's glory by bringing sheaves to the Master. Every soul saved will swell the triumphant anthem of praise that the redeemed will sing. Christ came to the world to “bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” The world is full of men and women who carry a heavy burden of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends his children to reveal to them him who will take away the burden, and give them rest. It is the mission of Christ's servants to help, to bless, to heal.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 2

My brethren and sisters, do we realize the importance of this subject? Why are we so listless and indifferent? why satisfied to remain so poorly fitted to work for the uplifting of humanity? The heavenly universe looks with amazement upon our Christless work. Neglect is seen in our borders. Slipshod work is tolerated and passed by. How long shall this continue? Shall we not arouse, and with determined effort redeem our neglect? Much is expected of us.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 3

What are our young men doing? God calls for you, young men. He calls for armies of young men who are large-hearted and large-minded, and who have a deep love for Christ, and for those for whom he died. If you will place yourselves under the influence of the truth, if you will receive the truth into the heart, you will have confidence and power to present it to others. Christ will be made unto you wisdom and righteousness and sanctification. You will be laborers together with God, following Christ's guidance. Such laborers are as sharp sickles in the harvest field. They do not use their God-given powers in arguing and debating. Pointing to Calvary, they cry, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Like Moses, they endure the seeing of him who is invisible. Through their efforts, souls are won to Christ; for God is with them.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 4

Young men, Jesus is saying to you, “Follow me.” Bear burdens in the Master's service. Our older ministering brethren must drop many of their burdens, or they will be crushed beneath them. The aged standard-bearers may act as counselors, but their younger, stronger brethren should bear the heavy burdens. John says, “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, ... and ye have overcome the wicked one.” You whose eyes are not dimmed, who are not worn by long and constant taxation, should plan and execute, treating the aged workers with tenderness, and looking up to them as counselors.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 5

Looking to Christ

I call upon the young men who are entering the ministry to search the Scriptures for themselves. Know for yourselves what is truth. Do not accept any man's theories as authority. This has been done by ministers to the injury of their experience, and it has left them ignorant and strengthless, when they should be wise in the Scriptures and strong in the strength of God. Take your Bibles, and weep and pray and fast before the Lord.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 6

Do not fix your attention on some favorite minister, speaking his words and imitating his gestures, in short, becoming his shadow. Allow no man to put his mold upon you. Let the hand of God mold and fashion you after the divine similitude.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 7

Do not seek wisdom from men. Those to whom you go may be bewildered by the temptations of Satan, and may plant in your minds the seeds of doubt. Go to Jesus, who “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” He is unchangeable, the same yesterday, today, and forever; and he can not err. Has not his invitation reached your ears, and touched your heart? He says, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Go to the Lord with the simplicity and confidence of a little child. Tell him your needs and your troubles, withholding nothing. Ask him to teach you how to use your entrusted talents for him.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 8

Long Sermons

I beg of you not to think that the preaching of long sermons is an unmistakable evidence of ministerial ability. Let your discourses be short. Long sermons will wear out both you and those who hear. Often if sermons were only half as long, it would be well. And remember that to be a true minister for God means much more than merely to preach. A minister is one who ministers. Put forth personal effort for the people. Visit them in their homes, pray with them, search the Scriptures with them, and you will bring them the blessing of heaven.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 9

Carefulness in Speech

As you go forth to labor for Christ, keep strict watch over yourselves. Be careful of your words. Do not waste precious moments in foolish conversation. Live so near to Christ that you will always be ready to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Put away all pride, all selfishness, all lightness and trifling. Jesting and joking are an offense to God, and a denial of your faith. They unfit the mind for solid thought and earnest labor, making men superficial and inefficient. Be circumspect, and at the same time cheerful and happy, showing forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 10

How to Gain Success

In order to be successful in your work, you must feel the need of learning every day in the school of Christ. Learn of the great Teacher, and then go forth in the strength of him who has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Put your whole soul into your efforts, and never leave a work half done. Bind off your work thoroughly. Leave no dropped stitches for some one else to pick up.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 11

Do not disappoint Christ. Resolve that you will succeed. Ask for divine grace and efficiency. You will not be left to labor alone. Christ will be with you, and you will receive precious souls for your hire.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 12

Christ died that we might enter into possession of the eternal riches. With hearts filled with gratitude, let us improve the opportunities for service placed within our reach, that we may be prepared for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love him. Heaven is a holy place; into it there can enter nothing that defiles. But those who have washed their robes of character, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, will receive an abundant entrance into the heavenly courts.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 13

At the last great day, Christ will say to those who have been true and faithful, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” They will understand the meaning of his words; for they will have done the work that Christ gave them to do. They have cooperated with him in the saving of those for whom he died, and they are prepared to share in his joy.RH October 29, 1903, Art. A, par. 14