Living In The Light

August 3, Pure and Holy Service

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
—Romans 12:1 LL 229.1

He [Jesus] says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.” One person is not to do all the witnessing for Jesus; but everyone who loves God is to testify of the preciousness of His grace and truth. Those who receive the light of truth are to have lesson upon lesson to educate them not to keep silent, but to speak often one to another. They are to keep in mind the Sabbath meeting, when those who love and fear God, and who think upon His name, can have opportunity to express their thoughts in speaking one to another. Let not the little companies think that they can have no meeting when they have no minister. Let them not think that one of their members must stand in the pulpit and preach to them. The time and season are very precious. The assembled believers are in the audience chamber of the universe of Heaven. They are to witness for God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the world. The little company are to do service to God by offering to Him spiritual worship. When there is no delegated minister to speak to the little companies, let each one witness to the truth, and be faithful to speak often one to another of the love of God, and thus train and educate the soul. Let each one seek to become an intelligent Christian, bearing his responsibility, and acting his personal part to make the meeting interesting and profitable. LL 229.2

The world is not to hold the highest place in our esteem. God desires that we so train the intellect and the affections that we shall be able to render to Him pure and holy service. We are to seek for precious jewels of truth as for hidden treasure. We are to have light, that we may diffuse light to others. Those who do this, will be among that company who think upon the name of the Lord, and who speak often one to another. They will study the character of God and will become acquainted with their Redeemer. . . . Let the character of God be the theme of your thought; for the Lord Jesus calls the attention of His church to Himself, and would have His people think upon His name, and impart the knowledge they receive of Him to those who are around them.— Review and Herald, September 10, 1895. LL 229.3

Further Reflection: Do you feel free to take part in the ministry of your local church? LL 229.4