The Signs of the Times
July 9, 1902
Whole-hearted Service
Christ says, “He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” He calls for whole-hearted, fearless disciples,—men and women who are ready to do and dare for Him, ready to follow wherever He leads the way. This requires thorough conversion. Half-converted men make half-hearted Christians. They are fruitless trees. On them Christ looks in vain for fruit: He finds nothing but leaves. ST July 9, 1902, par. 1
Many, by the half-hearted, careless way in which they do their work, say to the Master, “I pray Thee have me excused.” Thousands would unite with Christ if they could do this without denying self. If Christ and self could be served at the same time, a large number would join the ranks of those who are journeying heavenward. But it is not for such as these that Jesus calls. His cause does not need such adherents. ST July 9, 1902, par. 2
Christ's true followers use their knowledge to make others the recipients of His grace. With their lamps filled with holy oil, they go forth to give light to those in darkness. Such workers see many souls turning to the Lord. New truths continually unfold to them, and as they receive, they impart. ST July 9, 1902, par. 3
Those for whom the fetters of sin have been broken, who have sought the Lord with brokenness of heart, and have obtained answer to their yearning requests for righteousness, are never cold and spiritless. They realize that they have a part to act in the work of soul-saving. They watch and pray and work for the salvation of souls. Moulded and fashioned by the Holy Spirit, they gain depth and breadth and stability of Christian character. They gain enduring spiritual happiness. Walking in Christ's footsteps, they become identified with Him in His self-sacrificing plans. Such Christians are not cold and unimpressible. Their hearts are filled with unselfish love for sinners. They put away from them all worldly ambition, all self-seeking. Contact with the deep things of God makes them more and more like their Saviour. They exult in His triumphs; they are filled with His joy. Day by day they are growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. ST July 9, 1902, par. 4
Christ hates sin. From Him evil met with stern rebuke. But while He hates sin, He loves the sinner. Laying aside His riches and glory, He came to this earth to seek for us, sinful, erring, unhappy, that He might lead us to heaven. He humbled Himself, and took upon Him our nature, that He might make us like Himself, pure and upright, free from defilement. He suffered more than any of you will ever be called to suffer. He gave His all for you. What have you given for Him? ST July 9, 1902, par. 5
According to the talents entrusted to you will be the returns required by the Master. What have you done to persuade sinners to believe in Christ? All around you, in sin and degradation, are those for whom Christ died, that they might be pure, holy sinless. What are you doing for them? Has your life been filled with good works? Have you sowed in the hearts of those with whom you are brought in contact, seeds that will spring up to bear fruit unto righteousness? ST July 9, 1902, par. 6
When we sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn from Him to be meek and lowly in heart, He can impart to us His treasures of truth, knowing that we shall be wise workers. Not until Christ's life is a vitalizing power in our lives can we be strong to resist the temptations that assail us from within and from without. We need to press close to the side of Christ. We need to be sure that we are wearing His yoke of restraint and obedience. Then we shall be safe, because we are on the Lord's side. His truth is in our hearts, and we find His yoke easy and His burden light. We are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. But without Christ's strength we shall bend like the willow at every breath of criticism. Nothing but His power can make us and keep us true and steadfast. No one can stand firm who does not cherish in His heart the truth of God. ST July 9, 1902, par. 7
We are God's servants, and we are to be workers together with Him, doing His work in His way, that all with whom we come in contact may see that we not only talk of self-denial, but that we bring it into our lives. ST July 9, 1902, par. 8
There is to be in our service no taint of self-seeking. “Ye can not serve God and mammon.” Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Lift Him up by living faith in God, that your prayers may prevail. Do we realize how near Jesus will come to us? He is speaking to us individually. He will reveal Himself to every one who is willing to be clothed with the robe of His righteousness. He declares, “I am He that holdeth thy right hand.” Let us place ourselves where He can hold us by the hand, where we can hear Him saying with assurance and authority, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” ST July 9, 1902, par. 9
All Are Being Tested and Tried
By the way in which we do the work Christ has given us to do in His absence, we decide our future destiny. Many neglect their God-given work. They refuse to be God's helping hand. Let us fear to fall short of God's plan for us. His servants are to be ever on duty, working always for the uplifting of those for whom He gave His life. ST July 9, 1902, par. 10
Christ, the Master of the household, has gone to prepare for us mansions in the heavenly city. We are waiting for His return. Let us honor Him in His absence by doing with faithfulness the work He has placed in our hands. Waiting, watching, working, we are to prepare for His return. If we are faithful, if we serve Him with full purpose of heart, He will receive us with the gracious words, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” He will receive us with honor. To us will be given a crown of glory that fadeth not away, and a new name, “which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Those who follow Christ here will one day “follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” ST July 9, 1902, par. 11
God calls. Do you hear His voice? He calls for earnest, whole-hearted workers. Will you hear, and, denying self, take up the cross and follow Him? Those who refuse, giving themselves up to love of ease and self-seeking, suffer an eternal loss. ST July 9, 1902, par. 12
Mrs. E. G. White