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“Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give”
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by self-denial and sacrifice. Through the self-denying efforts of
God’s people others will be brought into the faith, and these in turn
will help to increase the offerings made for the carrying forward of
the Lord’s work.
Unmistakable evidences point to the nearness of the end. The
way must be prepared for the coming of the Prince of Peace. Let not
our church members complain because they are so often called upon
to give. What is it that makes the frequent calls a necessity? Is it not
the rapid increase of missionary enterprises? Shall we, by refusing
to give, retard the growth of these enterprises? Shall we forget that
we are laborers together with God? From every church, prayers
should ascend to God for an increase of devotion and liberality. My
brethren and sisters, do not plead for retrenchment in evangelical
work. So long as there are souls to save, our interest in the work of
soulsaving is to know no abating. The church cannot abridge her
task without denying her Master. Not all can go as missionaries to
foreign lands, but all can give of their means for the carrying forward
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of foreign missions.
There are new fields to be entered, and we must have your
help. Shall we ignore the commission given us, and thus forfeit the
fulfillment of the promise accompanying the commission? Shall the
people of God become careless and indifferent, and refuse to give
of their means for the advancement of His work? Can they do this
without severing their connection with Him? They may think thus to
economize, but it is a fearful economy that places them where they
are separated from God.
My brethren and sisters, it is too late to devote your time and
strength to self-serving. Let not the last day find you destitute of the
heavenly treasure. Seek to push the triumphs of the cross, seek to
enlighten souls, labor for the salvation of your fellow beings, and
your work will abide the trying test of fire.
Every true, self-sacrificing worker for God is willing to spend
and be spent for the sake of others. Christ says: “He that loveth his
life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep
it unto life eternal.”
John 12:25
. By earnest, thoughtful efforts to
help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God
and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service; but when
Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it again.