Love of the World
563
“Give an account of thy stewardship.” Moses became great because
he used his talents to do the work of God, and an increase of talents
was then given him. He became eloquent, patient, self-reliant, and
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competent to do the greatest work ever entrusted to mortal man. This
is the effect upon character whenever men give themselves to God
with the whole soul, and listen for His commands that they may obey
them.
Willing obedience to God’s requirements gives vital energy and
power to the soul. A work enduring as the sun is done for the worker
as well as for those for whom he labors. However limited the capacity
of the one who engages in this work, the labor which he performs in
his humble sphere will be acceptable to God.
“Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is
in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and
in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And
everyone that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall
be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and
beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
The reason why our people have not more power is that they profess
the truth, but do not practice it. They have but little faith and trust in
God. There are but few who bear the burdens connected with His work.
The Lord claims the strength of brain, bone, and muscle; but it is too
often withheld from Him and given to the world. The service of God
is made a secondary matter, while worldly interests receive prompt
attention. Thus things of minor consequence are made important,
while the requirements of God, things spiritual and eternal, are treated
in an indifferent manner, as something which may be taken up at will
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and let alone at pleasure. If the mind were stayed upon God and the
truth exerted a sanctifying influence upon the heart, self would be hid
in Christ. If we realize the importance of the truth which we profess