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Welfare Ministry
Right Motivation Essential—It is the motive that gives character
to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth.
Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises
does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the
little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear
worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is
dearer to God than the most costly gift.—
The Desire of Ages, 615
.
To Be Judged by Our Motives—Daily review of our acts, to see
whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who
wish to reach perfection of Christian character. Many acts which
pass for good works, even deeds of benevolence, will, when closely
investigated, be found to be prompted by wrong motives.
Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The
Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly ap-
plauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness
and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and
praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of
hearts according to the motives which prompted it.—
Gospel Workers,
275
.
The Two Oars—Faith and Works—If we are faithful in doing
our part, in cooperating with Him, God will work through us [to do] the
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good pleasure of His will. But He cannot work through us if we make
no effort. If we gain eternal life, we must work, and work earnestly....
Let us not be deceived by the oft-repeated assertion, “All you have
to do is to believe.” Faith and works are two oars which we must use
equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current
of unbelief. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” The
Christian is a man of thought and practice. His faith fixes its roots
firmly in Christ. By faith and good works he keeps his spirituality
strong and healthy, and his spiritual strength increases as he strives to
work the works of God.—
The Review and Herald, June 11, 1901
.
Our Crowns May Be Bright or Dim—Although we have no
merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are
rewarded as if the merit were our own. When we have done all the
good we can possibly do, we are still unprofitable servants. We have
done only what was our duty. What we have accomplished has been
wrought solely through the grace of Christ, and no reward is due to us
from God on the ground of our merit. But through the merit of our