God’s Call to Service
27
only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence
for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they
are worse than unbelievers.—
The Desire of Ages, 306
.
The Divine Commission
The work which the disciples did, we also are to do. Every Chris-
tian is to be a missionary. In sympathy and compassion we are to
minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfish earnestness
to lighten the woes of suffering humanity.—
The Ministry of Healing,
104
.
Before ascending to heaven, Christ gave His disciples their com-
mission. He told them that they were to be the executors of the will in
which He bequeathed to the world the treasures of eternal life.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 27
.
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have
shared. Every one who has received the gospel has been given sacred
truth to impart to the world. God’s faithful people have always been
[23]
aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of
His name, and wisely using their talents in His service.—
The Acts of
the Apostles, 109
.
The gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ’s
kingdom. The disciples were to work earnestly for souls, giving to all
the invitation of mercy. They were not to wait for the people to come
to them; they were to go to the people with their message.—
The Acts
of the Apostles, 28
.
God’s messengers are commissioned to take up the very work that
Christ did while on this earth. They are to give themselves to every
line of ministry that He carried on. With earnestness and sincerity, they
are to tell men of the unsearchable riches and the immortal treasure of
heaven.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:130
.
The commission given to the disciples is given also to us. Today,
as then, a crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those who
are without God and without hope in the world. The Lord calls for
pastors, teachers, and evangelists. From door to door His servants are
to proclaim the message of salvation. To every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried. Not
with tame, lifeless utterances is the message to be given, but with clear,