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Both Money and Active Service Needed, March 14
Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From
everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
Exodus 25:2
, NKJV.
I have heard men and women who have been engaged in the work in the
publishing houses and sanitarium complain of having to work over hours. If they
cannot stop work after eight hours’ labor, they become dissatisfied. But these very
ones, when they enter business for their own private benefit, will work on fully ten
hours as they do in America and often extend their labor to twelve hours. They
make no complaint, because it is in their own personal interest. It makes every
difference whether the time is to be employed to their own special advantage or for
the service of God or their neighbor....
Willing service in saving the means that is so limited is more satisfactory than
hoarding means. With the right motive in view, such time would be reckoned as
devoted to the service of God. This definite work for God in building, in planting,
in reaping harvest, or any line of work, will cost considerable thought and labor.
But it pays. God will multiply the resources; He will help in producing the means.
Many are already working in this line, and have always done so. The devotion
of time to God in any line of work is a most important consideration. Some can use
the pen to write a letter to some far-off friend. By consecrated personal labor we
may in many ways do personal service for God.
Some think that if they give a portion of their money to the cause of God, this
is all they are required to do, and the precious time given them of God, in which
they could do hours of personal service for Him, passes by unimproved. It is the
privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God active
service. The giving of donations in money cannot take the place of this. Those
who have no money can substitute personal labor, and even money can be made in
various ways in this work.
Everyone may be a laborer together with God. The hours which have been
usually spent in recreation that has not rested or refreshed either body or soul may
be spent in seeking to help some poor soul who is in need of help, in visiting the
poor, the sick, and the suffering. Our time is God’s, and as Christians, we must use
it to the glory of God.—
Manuscript Releases 6:79, 80
.
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