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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
qualifications which we lack; but while we exert the ability we have,
He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty; our
dormant energies will be aroused, and powers which have long been
palsied will receive new life.
So long as we are in the world, we must have to do with the things
of the world. There will ever be a necessity for the transaction of
temporal, secular business; but this should never become all-absorbing.
The apostle Paul has given a safe rule: “Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” The humble, common duties of life
are all to be performed with fidelity; “heartily,” says the apostle, “as to
the Lord.” Whatever our department of labor, be it housework or field
work or intellectual pursuits, we may perform it to the glory of God
so long as we make Christ first and last and best in everything. But
aside from these worldly employments there is given to every follower
of Christ a special work for the upbuilding of His kingdom—a work
which requires personal effort for the salvation of men. It is not a work
to be performed once a week merely, at the place of worship, but at all
times and all places.
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Everyone who connects himself with the church makes in that act
a solemn vow to work for the interest of the church and to hold that
interest above every worldly consideration. It is his work to preserve
a living connection with God, to engage with heart and soul in the
great scheme of redemption, and to show, in his life and character,
the excellency of God’s commandments in contrast with the customs
and precepts of the world. Every soul that has made a profession
of Christ has pledged himself to be all that it is possible for him to
be as a spiritual worker, to be active, zealous, and efficient in his
Master’s service. Christ expects every man to do his duty; let this be
the watchword throughout the ranks of His followers.
We are not to wait to be solicited to give light, to be importuned
for counsel or instruction. Everyone who receives the rays of the
Sun of Righteousness is to reflect its brightness to all about him. His
religion should have a positive and decided influence. His prayers and
entreaties should be so imbued with the Holy Spirit that they will melt
and subdue the soul. Said Jesus: “Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven.” It would be better for a worldling never to have seen a
professor of religion than to come under the influence of one who is