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awakening an interest to inquire, “What shall I do to be saved?” These
little things take the time that should be devoted to prayer, seeking the
Lord, and grasping by faith the promises....
When I see how much might be done in such countries as I am
now in, my heart burns within me to show to those who profess to
be the children of God how much money they are wasting on dress,
on expensive furniture, or selfish pleasures, in excursions merely for
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selfish gratifications. All this is embezzling the Lord’s goods, using to
please self that means that is wholly His and which should be devoted
to His service.—
Letter 42a, 1893
.
Serviceable Christians—The work of the ambassadors for Christ
is far greater and more responsible than many dream of. They should
not be at all satisfied with their success until they can, by their earnest
labors and the blessing of God, present to Him serviceable Christians,
who have a true sense of their responsibility, and will do their appointed
work. The proper labor and instruction will result in bringing into
working order those men and women whose characters are strong, and
their convictions so firm that nothing of a selfish character is permitted
to hinder them in their work, to lessen their faith, or to deter them from
duty.—
Testimonies For The Church 4:398, 399
(1880).