Business and Religion
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cause second. And those who do this, who devote their lives to the
advancement of the truth, to bringing many sons and daughters to
God, have the promise that they shall have a hundredfold in this life
and in the world to come life everlasting. Those who work from a
noble standpoint and with unselfish motives will be consecrated to
God, body, soul, and spirit. They will not exalt self; they will not
feel competent to take responsibilities; but they will not refuse to bear
burdens, for they will have a desire to do all that they are capable of
doing. These will not study their own convenience; the question with
them will be: What is duty?
The more responsible the position, the more essential that the
influence be right. Every man whom God has chosen to do a special
work becomes a target for Satan. Temptations press thick and fast
upon him; for our vigilant foe knows that his course of action has a
molding influence upon others. We are amid the perils of the last days,
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and Satan has come down in great wrath, knowing that he has but a
short time. He works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness; but
heaven is open to everyone who makes God his trust. The only safety
for any of us is in clinging to Jesus and letting nothing separate the
soul from the mighty Helper.
Those who have merely a form of godliness, and yet are connected
with the cause in business relations, are to be feared. They will surely
betray their trust. They will be overcome by the devices of the tempter
and will imperil the cause of God. There will be temptations to allow
self to control; an overbearing, critical spirit will arise, and in many
cases compassion and consideration for those who need to be dealt
with in thoughtful tenderness will be wanting.
“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” What seed
are we scattering? What will be our harvest for time and for eternity?
To every man the Master has assigned his work in accordance with
his ability. Are we sowing the seed of truth and righteousness, or
that of unbelief, disaffection, evil surmising, and love of the world?
The one who scatters evil seed may discern the nature of his work,
and repent and be forgiven. But the pardon of the Master does not
change the character of the seed sown, and make of briers and thistles
precious wheat. He himself may be saved so as by fire; but when the
time of harvest comes, there will be only poisonous weeds where there
should be fields of waving grain. That which was sown in wicked