Living In The Light

June 29, Health And True Missionary Work

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
—John 1:29 LL 191.1

He in whose heart Christ abides shows forth to the world Christ’s love for humanity. He is God’s helping hand. The glow of spiritual health thrills his whole being as he receives from the Savior grace to give to others. This is true missionary work. Its performance heals the wounds inflicted upon disordered human nature by the one who was once a covering cherub, but who through self-exaltation lost his high and holy estate and took up a warfare against God and humanity. By his subtlety, he led human beings into the pit of degradation, and it cost the life of the Son of Man to redeem them. Christ gave His life to save every sinner. He is the light and life of men and women. He came as a mighty physician, a great medical missionary, to heal the wounds that sin had made in the human family. His mighty healing power sends a glow of spiritual health into the soul. LL 191.2

Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruders. Taking the throne, it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God’s love. With it comes serenity and composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. LL 191.3

God calls upon us to show, by the exercise of true piety, that we are under divine enlightenment. When those connected with the service of God center their hopes on Jesus, a change will be seen in their deportment. Supreme love for God and unselfish love for their fellow men and women will place them on vantage ground.— Review and Herald, October 15, 1901. LL 191.4

Further Reflection: How might sharing the love ofJesus impact your own physical and emotional health? What is the connection between health and missionary work? LL 191.5