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A Life of Strength, May 29
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night
cometh, when no man can work.
John 9:4
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The Christian life does not consist merely in the exercise of meekness,
patience, humility, and kindness. One may possess these precious and
amiable traits and yet be nerveless and spiritless, and almost useless when
the work goes hard. Such persons lack the positiveness and energy, the
solidity and strength of character, which would enable them to resist evil,
and would make them a power in the cause of God.
Jesus was our example in all things, and He was an earnest and constant
worker. He commenced His life of usefulness in childhood. At the age of
twelve He was “about his Father’s business.” Between the ages of twelve
and thirty, before entering upon His public ministry, He led a life of active
industry. In His ministry Jesus was never idle. Said He, “I must work
the works of him that sent me....” The suffering who came to Him were
not turned away unrelieved. He was acquainted with each heart and knew
how to minister to its needs. Loving words fell from His lips to comfort,
encourage, and bless, and the great principles of the kingdom of heaven
were set before the multitudes in words so simple as to be understood by
all.
Jesus was a silent and unselfish worker. He did not seek fame, riches,
or applause, neither did He consult His own ease and pleasure. ... He
did not shirk care and responsibility, as many do who profess to be His
followers....
The claims of Christ upon our service are new every day. However
complete may have been our consecration at conversion, it will avail us
nothing unless it be renewed daily, but a consecration that embraces the
actual present is fresh, genuine, and acceptable to God. We have not weeks
and months to lay at His feet; tomorrow is not ours, for we have not yet
received it, but today we may work for Jesus. Today we may lay our plans
and purposes before Him for His inspection and approval....This is God’s
day, and you are His hired servant
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The Review and Herald, January 6, 1885
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