April 28, 1904

Our Duty to the Unsaved

EGW

The judgments of God are in the land. Calamities are following one another in quick succession. Shall we allow these things to be, without telling people what they mean, and how to escape the destruction soon to come upon all the world? Shall we allow men and women to go down into the darkness without having been told how to gain a preparation for the future life?RH April 28, 1904, par. 1

I am grieved in spirit as I see how weak are the efforts put forth to reach the unsanctified and the unsaved. We need more workers to gather in the sheaves. Believers in the truth should watch for souls as they that must give an account. They should seek for opportunities to speak words of warning and encouragement to unbelievers, inviting them to come to the Saviour. Many will refuse, but some will come. If you say nothing to those around you about the love of God, if you allow them to continue unwarned, the time will come when you will bitterly regret your wasted opportunities.RH April 28, 1904, par. 2

We are to let our light shine amid the moral darkness. Many, as they see the reflection of the Light of the world, will realize that they have a hope of salvation. Your light may be small, but remember that it is what God has given you, and that he holds you responsible to let it shine forth. Some one may light his taper from yours, and his light may be the means of leading others out from darkness.RH April 28, 1904, par. 3

All around you are doors open for service. All around you are men and women who will gladly receive the message of salvation. Take your Bible, and show them the beauty of the truth for this time. Become acquainted with your neighbors, and seek to draw them to Christ. As you do this, he will cooperate with you.RH April 28, 1904, par. 4

The Need for More Workers

I hear of workers whose health is breaking down under the strain of the burdens they are bearing. This ought not to be. God desires us to remember that we are mortal. We are not to embrace too much in our work. We are not to keep ourselves under such a strain that our physical and mental powers shall be exhausted.RH April 28, 1904, par. 5

More workers are needed, that some of the burdens may be removed from those now so heavily loaded down. The Lord desires those who have gained an experience in his service to be educators. They are to be learners in the school of Christ, that they may teach others, and that they may plan wisely for the carrying forward of God's work.RH April 28, 1904, par. 6

God calls for ministers, Bible workers, and canvassers. Let our young men and young women go forth as canvassers, evangelists, and Bible workers, in company with laborers of experience, who can show them how to labor successfully. Let canvassers carry our publications from house to house. When opportunity offers, let them speak of the truth for this time to those whom they meet, and let them sing and pray with them. When in our work for God right methods are energetically followed, a harvest of souls will be gathered.RH April 28, 1904, par. 7

There is room in the work of God for all who are filled with the spirit of self-sacrifice. God is calling for men and women who are willing to deny self for the sake of others, willing to consecrate all they have and are to his work. Men are needed who, when they encounter difficulties, will move steadily on, saying, We will not fail or become discouraged. Men are needed who will strengthen and build up the work that others are trying to do.RH April 28, 1904, par. 8

Different Instrumentalities

It is God's plan that in his work there shall be unity in diversity. In a garden there are no two flowers just alike. Each leaf on a tree differs from every other leaf. So in the work of God, men of different minds and capabilities are needed.RH April 28, 1904, par. 9

When the tabernacle was to be erected, the Lord instructed Moses: “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, ... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.”RH April 28, 1904, par. 10

But Bezaleel was not to work alone. God chose another man to stand at his side to help him. “Behold,” he said, “I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.”RH April 28, 1904, par. 11

One man is not to carry the burden of the whole work in the cause of God today. God has given each one a special place and a special work. Each one is to fill his appointed place, and is to help others in their God-given work. And each one is to be willing to receive help from those who can assist him.RH April 28, 1904, par. 12

Our minds need to be broadened, that we may see beyond our opinions and ideas and ways to the purposes and plans of God. We must give our fellow workers elbow room. If their ideas are not precisely like ours, we must remember that God has given them ideas, and we must seek to work in harmony with them, under the guidance of Christ.RH April 28, 1904, par. 13

Brethren, if you are so situated that the work presses too heavily upon you, and you are unable to do all that you think should be done, do the best you can without endangering your health, and then carry your burdens to the Lord. And when he sends some one to help you, do not be afraid to trust the one who is to associate with you, fearing that he will not work in accordance with your ideas. Do not say, “This man does not agree with me; if I unite with him in labor, he will spoil the work that I have been trying to do. He will introduce plans that will divert my mind from the plans that I have laid.” Perhaps God desires your mind to be diverted from the plans that you have been following. Perhaps he desires you to have a change of place.RH April 28, 1904, par. 14

Give room for all to work. Do not watch to see if another's footsteps measure exactly with yours. Keep your eyes fixed on your Leader. Then you will not be continually criticizing what others do. Remember that God has other workmen, who, even though they do not follow exactly in your footsteps, are serving him in his appointed way.RH April 28, 1904, par. 15

Satan is seeking to hinder the work of God by filling the hearts of the workers with a desire for recognition and supremacy. Contention and strife as to who shall be the greatest have robbed the Lord's working force of grace and power. God calls for a decided change; it is his purpose that we shall be one in Christ. It is no time now for us to draw apart. Among God's people love and unity are to prevail. Each worker, while preserving his individuality, is to labor in harmony with every other worker. Each is to be united with his fellow workers in the bonds of Christian love, and all are to be united with the Lord. The aim of every one is to be the advancement of the cause of truth. Each is to seek earnestly for the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Each is to look to Jesus, believing that he will receive the blessings he must have in order to be a strength to the work.RH April 28, 1904, par. 16

The Need of the Church

God's people would put on joy and gladness as a garment if they would only receive what he is waiting to give them,—that which would make them strong to help those in need of help. Our people need the breath of life breathed into them, that they may arouse to spiritual action. Many have lost their vital energy; they are sluggish, dead, as it were. Let those who have been receiving the grace of Christ help these souls to arouse to action. Let us keep in the current of life that comes from Christ, that we may kindle life in some other soul. Healthy, happy, united action is what is needed in the church today.RH April 28, 1904, par. 17

God calls for self-denying, self-sacrificing workers. Those who devote their time to hunting for souls, watching for souls as they that must give an account, will obtain a rich experience. As they communicate the precious truths of God's Word to others, their own hearts will be opened for the entrance of the word. They will be instructed by the Great Teacher.RH April 28, 1904, par. 18

Christ has opened a fountain for the sinful, suffering world, and the voice of divine mercy is heard, Come, all ye thirsting souls, come and drink. You may take of the water of life freely. Let him that heareth say, Come; and whosoever will, let him come. Every believer in the truth is to sound this message. Then the work will be carried to the waste places of the earth. The scripture will be fulfilled, In that day the Lord shall open fountains in the valleys, and rivers in the desert, and “with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”RH April 28, 1904, par. 19