Co-Workers with Christ
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are always found on the right side. There are some, who, in time of
religious peril, may almost always be looked for in the ranks of the
enemy; if they have any influence, it is on the wrong side. They do not
feel under moral obligation to give all their strength to the truth they
profess. Such will be rewarded according to their works.
Those who do little for the Saviour in the salvation of souls and
in keeping themselves right before God, will gain but little spiritual
muscle. We need continually to use the strength we have that it may
develop and increase. As disease is the result of the violation of natural
laws, so is spiritual declension the result of a continued transgression
of the law of God. And yet the very transgressors may profess to keep
all of God’s commandments.
We must come nearer to God, place ourselves in closer connection
with heaven, and carry out the principles of the law in the minutest
actions of our everyday lives in order to be spiritually whole. God has
given His servants ability, talents to be used for His glory, not to lie
idle or be wasted. He has given them light and a knowledge of His will
to be communicated to others, and in imparting to others we become
living channels of light. If we do not exercise our spiritual strength we
become feeble, as the limbs of the body become powerless when the
invalid is compelled to remain long inactive. It is use that gives power.
Nothing will give greater spiritual strength and a greater increase
of earnestness and depth of feeling than visiting and ministering to the
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sick and the desponding, helping them to see the light and to fasten
their faith upon Jesus. There are disagreeable duties that somebody
must do or souls will be left to perish. Christians will find a blessing
in doing these duties, however unpleasant they may be. Christ took the
disagreeable task upon Himself of coming from the abode of purity
and unsurpassed glory, to dwell, a man among men, in a world seared
and blackened by crime, violence, and iniquity. He did this to save
souls; and shall the objects of such amazing love and unparalleled
condescension excuse their lives of selfish ease? shall they choose
their own pleasure, follow their own inclinations, and leave souls to
perish in darkness because they will meet with disappointment and
rebuffs if they labor to save them? Christ paid an infinite price for
man’s redemption, and shall he say: My Lord, I will not labor in Thy
vineyard; I pray Thee have me excused”?