Home Missionary Work
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had wholly consecrated themselves to God they would have become
efficient workers for the heavenly Master.
But what are the members of the church doing that they should be
designated “laborers together with God”?
1 Corinthians 3:9
. Where
do we see travail of soul? Where do we see the members of the church
absorbed in religious themes, self-surrendered to the will of God?
Where do we see Christians feeling their responsibility to make the
church prosperous, a wide-awake, light-giving people? Where are
those who do not stint or measure their loving labor for the Master?
Our Redeemer is to see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied; how
is it with those who profess to be His followers? Will they be satisfied
when they see the fruit of their labors?
Why is it that there is so little faith, so little spiritual power? Why
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are there so few who bear the yoke and carry the burden of Christ?
Why do persons have to be urged to take up their work for Christ? Why
are there so few who can unveil the mysteries of redemption? Why is
it that the imputed righteousness of Christ does not shine through His
professed followers as a light to the world?
The Result of Inaction
When men use their powers as God directs, their talents will in-
crease, their ability will enlarge, and they will have heavenly wisdom
in seeking to save the lost. But while the church members are listless
and neglectful of their God-given responsibility to impart to others,
how can they expect to receive the treasure of heaven? When professed
Christians feel no burden to enlighten those in darkness, when they
cease to impart grace and knowledge, they become less discerning,
they lose their appreciation of the richness of the heavenly endowment;
and, failing to value it themselves, they fail to realize the necessity of
presenting it to others.
We see large churches gathered in different localities. Their mem-
bers have gained a knowledge of the truth, and many are content to
hear the word of life without seeking to impart light. They feel little
responsibility for the progress of the work, little interest in the salva-
tion of souls. They are full of zeal in worldly things, but they do not
bring their religion into their business. They say: “Religion is religion,