Influence of Christian Women
117
In many cases the rubbish of the world has clogged the channels of
the soul. Selfishness controls the mind and warps the character. Were
the life hid with Christ in God, His service would be no drudgery. If the
whole heart were consecrated to God, all would find something to do
and would covet a part in the work. They would sow beside all waters,
praying and believing that the fruit would appear. The practical, God-
fearing workers will be growing upward, praying in faith for grace
and heavenly wisdom that they may do the work devolving upon them
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with cheerfulness and a willing mind. They will seek the divine rays
of light that they may brighten the paths of others.—
Ibid
.
A Beautiful, Character-molding Resolution—Let every individ-
ual member of the church ask himself, “What part can I act to win
souls to Jesus Christ?” “I will,” says one class, “guard myself that
my wants shall be so bound about that no needless adornment shall
steal away the pence and shillings to gratify pride or display. I will
consecrate myself to God, and my desire for selfish gratification shall
be killed before it buds and blossoms and bears fruit.” This is a good
resolution. It will please the Saviour who has purchased you....
One may say, “I have no opportunity to obtain money, but I will
set apart myself. I will educate and train myself that no opportunity
shall be allowed to pass unimproved. I have always kept myself busy,
but after all I have not felt a satisfaction in the way my time has been
occupied. I see now as never before that very much of my time has
been employed in doing nothing but those things that pleased myself.
Now I desire to please God, and I will give a portion of my time in
doing real service for the Master. I will visit the sick, I will train
myself to have an interest and sympathy for the suffering ones, and
I will add if possible some favors to make them more comfortable.
Through this means I can reach their hearts and speak a word as the
servant of Jesus Christ. Thus I can cultivate the art of ministering, and
may win souls to Jesus.” Can you not see that Jesus will say, “Well
done” to this line of ministry?—
Letter 12, 1892
.
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