Chapter 11—Diligent in Service
Energy and Willingness—Success depends not so much on talent
as on energy and willingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents
that enables us to render acceptable service; but the conscientious per-
formance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected, sincere
interest in the welfare of others. In the humblest lot true excellence
may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought with loving faithfulness,
are beautiful in God’s sight.—
Prophets and Kings, 219
(1916).
No Place for Indolence—Let no one think that he is at liberty to
fold his hands and do nothing. That anyone can be saved in indo-
lence and inactivity is an utter impossibility. Think of what Christ
accomplished during His earthly ministry. How earnest, how untiring,
were His efforts! He allowed nothing to turn Him aside from the work
given Him. Are we following in His footsteps? He gave up all to carry
out God’s plan of mercy for the fallen race. In the fulfillment of the
purpose of heaven, He became obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross. He had had no communion with sin, had known nothing
of it; but He came to this world, and took upon His sinless soul the
guilt of sinful man, that sinners might stand justified before God. He
[77]
grappled with temptation, overcoming in our behalf. The Son of God,
pure and unsullied, bore the penalty of transgression, and received the
stroke of death that brought deliverance to the race.—
The Review and
Herald, January 20, 1903
.
Wholehearted Labor—God’s servants are to be “not slothful in
business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Listlessness and ineffi-
ciency are not piety. When we realize that we are working for God, we
shall have a higher sense than we have ever had before of the sacred-
ness of spiritual service. This realization will put life and vigilance and
persevering energy into the discharge of every duty. Religion, pure,
undefiled religion, is intensely practical. Nothing but earnest, whole-
hearted labor will avail in the saving of souls. We are to make our
everyday duties acts of devotion, constantly increasing in usefulness
because we see our work in the light of eternity.
Letter 43, 1902
.
60