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Christian Service
do all in his power to bring about the promised result. In proportion
to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which the work is carried
forward, will be the success given.—
Prophets and Kings, 263
.
The Underlying Motive in Successful Service
Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or con-
temptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards
more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:135
.
Ten truly converted, willing-minded, unselfish workers can do
more in the missionary field than one hundred who confine their efforts
to set forms, and preserve mechanical rules, working without deep
love for souls.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:602
.
It is not the capabilities you now possess, or ever will have, that
will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We
need to have far less confidence in what man can do, and far more
confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to
have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great
things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as
well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give
tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and
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it will be given to you.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 146
.
The oil of grace gives to men the courage, and supplies to them the
motives, for doing every day the work that God appoints to them. The
five foolish virgins had lamps (this means a knowledge of Scripture
truth), but they had not the grace of Christ. Day by day they went
through a round of ceremonies and external duties, but their service
was lifeless, devoid of the righteousness of Christ. The Sun of Righ-
teousness did not shine in their hearts and minds, and they had not the
love of the truth which conforms to the life and character, the image
and superscription, of Christ. The oil of grace was not mingled with
their endeavors. Their religion was a dry husk without the true kernel.
They held fast to forms of doctrines, but they were deceived in their
Christian life, full of self-righteousness, and failing to learn lessons in
the school of Christ, which, if practiced, would have made them wise
unto salvation.—
The Review and Herald, March 27, 1894
.