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156
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Idleness
[Special Testimonies, Series A 3:8, 9 (1895).]
April 30, 1894.
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
There is but one remedy for indolence, and that is to throw off slug-
gishness as a sin that leads to perdition, and go to work using the
physical ability that God has given you for this purpose. The only
cure for a useless, inefficient life is effort, determined, persever-
ing effort. The only cure for selfishness is to deny self, and work
earnestly to be the blessing that you can be to your fellowmen. “He
that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the
clouds shall not reap.”
As God’s human agents we are to do the work that He has given
us. To every man He has given his work, and we are not going to give
ourselves up to conjecture as to whether or not our earnest endeavors
will prove successful. All that we as individuals are responsible for
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is the unwearied, conscientious discharge of duty that someone must
do; and if we fail to do that which is placed in our way, we cannot
be excused of God. But having done the best we can, then we are to
leave all results with God. But it is required of us that we exercise
more mental and spiritual power. It is your duty, and it has been
your duty every day of the life God has graciously granted you, to
pull at the oars of duty, for you are a responsible agent of God.
The command to you is, “Go work today in My vineyard.” We
are all God’s workmen, and not one is to be idle; but I would ask,
What are you doing for the Master in order that you may hear His
words of approval, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
things? God never makes a mistake; He will never call men good
and faithful who are not good and faithful.
* * * * *
The Spirit of Jesus
[Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, Series A 3:9-12
(1895).]