Assurance of Success
257
The work of God is to be carried on to completion by the co-
operation of divine and human agencies. Those who are self-sufficient
may be apparently active in the work of God; but if they are prayerless,
their activity is of no avail. Could they look into the censer of the angel
that stands at the golden altar before the rainbow-circled throne, they
would see that the merit of Jesus must be mingled with our prayers
and efforts, or they are as worthless as was the offering of Cain. Could
we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before
God, we would see that only the work accomplished by much prayer,
which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the
judgment. When the grand review shall take place, then shall ye return
and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him
not.—
The Review and Herald, July 4, 1893
.
Legal religion will not answer for this age. We may perform all
the outward acts of service, and yet be as destitute of the quickening
influence of the Holy Spirit as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew
[264]
and rain. We all need spiritual moisture; and we need also the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness to soften and subdue our hearts.
We are always to be as firm as a rock to principle. Bible principles are
to be taught, and then backed up by holy practice.—
Testimonies for
the Church 6:417, 418
.
Success depends not so much on talent as on energy and will-
ingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables us
to render acceptable service; but the conscientious performance 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
.
The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built
up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize
our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in
little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of
kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth
is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully
performed has exerted an influence for good,—an influence that can
never perish.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 574
.