Living In The Light

September 3, An Example Of Unselfish Service

“He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
—Matthew 5:45 LL 261.1

When God’s messengers recognize their responsibilities toward the needy portions of the Lord’s vineyard, and in the spirit of the Master Worker labor untiringly for the conversion of souls, the angels of God will prepare the way before them, and the means necessary for the carrying forward of the work will be provided. Those who are enlightened will give freely to support the work done in their behalf. They will respond liberally to every call for help, and the Spirit of God will move upon their hearts to sustain the Lord’s cause not only in the home fields, but in the regions beyond. Thus strength will come to the working forces in other places, and the work of the Lord will advance in His own appointed way. . . . LL 261.2

In His life and lessons Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering to others. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). This ideal of ministry the Father committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, by His example to teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. LL 261.3

Again and again Jesus tried to establish His principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). LL 261.4

Since His ascension Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and women and ministers to their needs. The great Head of the church superintends His work through the instrumentality of men and women ordained by God to act as His representatives.— The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 357—360. LL 261.5

Further Reflection: Do you live for yourself? How can you know that you are not? LL 261.6