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filled a responsible calling, but who, for want of energy, application,
or perseverance, content themselves with an easier place.
We need to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best
in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch
for the indications of His providence—these are rules that ensure safe
guidance in the choice of an occupation.
He who came from heaven to be our example spent nearly thirty
years of His life in common, mechanical labor; but during this time He
was studying the word and the works of God, and helping, teaching, all
whom His influence could reach. When His public ministry began, He
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went about healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, and preaching
the gospel to the poor. This is the work of all His followers.
“He that is greatest among you,” He said, “let him be as the
younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For ... I am
among you as he that serveth.”
Luke 22:26, 27
.
Love and loyalty to Christ are the spring of all true service. In
the heart touched by His love, there is begotten a desire to work for
Him. Let this desire be encouraged and rightly guided. Whether in the
home, the neighborhood, or the school, the presence of the poor, the
afflicted, the ignorant, or the unfortunate should be regarded, not as a
misfortune, but as affording precious opportunity for service.
In this work, as in every other, skill is gained in the work itself. It
is by training in the common duties of life and in ministry to the needy
and suffering, that efficiency is assured. Without this the best-meant
efforts are often useless and even harmful. It is in the water, not on the
land, that men learn to swim.
Another obligation, too often lightly regarded,—one that to the
youth awakened to the claims of Christ needs to be made plain,—is
the obligation of church relationship.
Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His
church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head,
and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves con-
nection with His church.
The church is organized for service; and in a life of service to
Christ, connection with the church is one of the first steps. Loyalty
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to Christ demands the faithful performance of church duties. This is
an important part of one’s training; and in a church imbued with the
Master’s life, it will lead directly to effort for the world without.