Australasian Union Conference Record
February 15, 1904
The Work Before Us
Our great need is to know that we are wearing Christ's yoke. His service brings rest to the soul. Are we, in the fullest sense of the word, heeding the invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” By accepting this invitation, you commit your soul to God as unto a faithful Creator. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 1
Our heavenly Father knows how weak we are. He understands our necessities and our capacities. He has not left us to be guided or controlled by the will of any human being. We are to obey the word, “It is written.” AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 2
Remember that however great the wisdom man may appear to have, if Christ does not abide in his soul, if he is not controlled by the principles of the Word of God, he will guide your feet into false paths. However great the capabilities and talents entrusted to man, unless he is breathed upon by the Lord Jesus, unless the life-giving current of Christ's love circulates through his soul, unless he receives nourishment from Christ as the branches of the vine receive sap from the parent stock, he is not to be trusted as a safe guide in spiritual things. If man misuses his wisdom, as did the one once a covering cherub in the heavenly courts, and places his judgment as supreme, be afraid of him, and turn from him to the living God. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 3
Let every one study the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. What is the great work before us?—The proclamation of the gospel, with its life-saving principles, to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Let no one remain in idleness because he can not do the same class of work that the most experienced servants of God are doing. Because you cannot be in the highest place, will you do nothing? Because you can not trade upon pounds, will you refuse to trade upon one pound? Because you have not five talents, will you put your one talent in a napkin, and hide it in the earth? Because you cannot work for the multitude, will you refuse to work for individuals? Do the smaller duties waiting for you. Thus you will help those who are bearing heavy responsibilities. Use your talents, be they ever so few. God has certainly given you a work to do for Him. In all that you do, keep the Lord Jesus before you. Do all to the glory of His name. You belong to God, and you are to do His work. Your life is sustained by the Giver of life. Your every capability, therefore, is to be put to use in His service. By using your talents wisely and faithfully, you are gaining power to do better work, to bear heavier responsibilities. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 4
Whatever you accomplish, be it little or much, leave it with God, remembering that it is not for man to measure the worth or the reward of his own efforts or the efforts of his fellow-men. The Lord Jesus will give you the wages that are your due. Your reward will be proportioned to the spirit in which your work was done. Purity of motive, an earnest desire to glorify God, will bring to the earnest worker the same reward that is given to the one who accomplishes more. The principles by which the worker is governed determine the reward. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 5
It is not alone by men in high places of responsibility in the ministry, not alone by men holding positions on boards or committees, not alone by the managers of our sanitariums and publishing houses, that the work is to be done which will cause the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. This work can be accomplished only by the whole church acting their part under the guidance and in the power of God. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 6
Mrs. E. G. White
December 1, 1903.
God's people would put on joy and gladness as a garment if they would only receive that which He is waiting to give them,—that which would make them strong to help those in need of help. Our people need the breath of spiritual life breathed into them, that they may arouse to spiritual action. Many have lost their vital energy, and are sluggish, dead as it were. Let those who have been receiving the grace of Christ help these souls to rouse to action. Let us keep in the current of life that comes from Christ, that we may impart to others. Healthy, happy action is what is needed in the church today. AUCR February 15, 1904, par. 7
E. G. W.