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example is contagious. Self-interest is the ruling motive. Those who
need to be watched and who work only as every duty is specified to
them are not the ones who will be pronounced “good and faithful.”
Workers are needed who manifest energy, integrity, diligence, those
who are willing to do anything that needs to be done.
Many become inefficient because, for fear of failure, they evade
responsibilities. Thus they do not gain that education which results
from experience, and which reading and study and all the advantages
otherwise gained cannot give them.
Human beings can shape circumstances, but circumstances
should not be allowed to shape the man or woman. We should
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seize upon circumstances as instruments by which to work. We are
to master them but should not permit them to master us.
Workers of power are those who have been opposed, baffled, and
thwarted. By calling their energies into action, the obstacles they
meet prove to be positive blessings to them. They gain self-reliance.
Conflict and perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God and for
that firmness which develops power.
The Example of Christ
Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work
by hours. His time, His heart, His soul, His strength were given to
service for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled,
and through long nights He bowed in prayer for grace and endurance
that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears He sent
His petitions to heaven that His human nature might be strengthened,
that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive
workings and be fortified to fulfill His mission of uplifting humanity.
To His workers He says, “I have given you an example, that you
should do as I have done.”
John 13:15
.
“The love of Christ,” said Paul, “constrains us.”
2 Corinthians
5:14
. This was the actuating principle of his conduct. It was his
motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a
moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the
loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his
work for others he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite
love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power.