Letters to Physicians and Ministers

Not Our Own

My brother, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price. If we co-operate with God, we can advance His kingdom. Neither you nor I nor any other soul should feel at liberty to underrate the talents God has given us, be they many or few. God demands a faithful return of His entrusted goods. He calls upon us to enter His school, and learn day by day how to do the work He has given us. No soul is to be an idler. If we fail to use God's gifts aright, how shall we answer Him when He calls upon us for an account of our stewardship? He says, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. SpTB01 17.4

I have written plainly. Many, looking at the outward appearance of your work, would praise and flatter you. But I have no words of flattery to offer. I know that means which should have been sacredly devoted to the work of the Lord has been used in other ways. SpTB01 18.1

God calls upon you to be a man, and put away your extravagance. Extravagant ideas must not be indulged under the name of medical missionary work. It is high time that we became Christians in heart. Integrity, self-denial, and humility should characterize our lives. Study diligently to learn the meaning of the words, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24. SpTB01 18.2

While laboring in this world as the great medical missionary, Christ denied Himself every luxury. He suffered that you might secure salvation. For you He endured death on the cross, despising the shame. He descended to the lowest depths of humiliation that you might sit in heavenly places. Behold His love. Does it not put to shame your extravagant outlay of means, that you may make a show in the world? How much owest thou unto thy Lord? Can you compute the sum? All that He possessed, He gave for your salvation, and He calls upon you to consecrate yourself to His service. Review from the first your service to God, and henceforth follow the example of the Saviour, not the example of worldlings. Unless you study the Saviour's life, and practise His lessons; you will never enter the courts of the blessed. SpTB01 18.3