Chapter 9—The Work and the Life
God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like
rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a
living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And
wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to
others in love and blessing.
Our Saviour’s joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen
men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured
the cross, despising the shame. So angels are ever engaged in working
for the happiness of others. This is their joy. That which selfish hearts
would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are
wretched and in every way inferior in character and rank, is the work
of sinless angels. The spirit of Christ’s self-sacrificing love is the spirit
that pervades heaven and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the
spirit that Christ’s followers will possess, the work that they will do.
When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fra-
grance it cannot be hidden. Its holy influence will be felt by all with
whom we come in contact. The spirit of Christ in the heart is like a
spring in the desert, flowing to refresh all and making those who are
ready to perish, eager to drink of the water of life.
Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked
for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tender-
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ness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father’s
care.
The Saviour’s life on earth was not a life of ease and devotion to
Himself, but He toiled with persistent, earnest, untiring effort for the
salvation of lost mankind. From the manger to Calvary He followed
the path of self-denial and sought not to be released from arduous
tasks, painful travels and exhausting care and labor. He said, “The Son
of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His
life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
. This was the one great object
of His life. Everything else was secondary and subservient. It was His
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