Our High Calling

Joy in Humble Service, June 29

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6. OHC 186.1

It matters not what our position may be or how limited our capacities, we have a work to do for the Master. Our graces are developed and matured by exercise. With the truth of God burning in the soul we cannot be idle. The happiness we shall experience in doing will compensate even in this life for every effort. Those only who have experienced happiness resulting from self-denying effort in the service of Christ can speak of the matter understandingly. It is indeed joy so pure, so deep, that language cannot express it. OHC 186.2

“... Through life's transient day
There is a special work marked out for you;
It may be of the lowliest kind, it may Be such as shall the loftiest powers display.
But none besides yourself your work can do.
‘What wilt Thou have me do?’
With single eye To your Redeemer's glory, work for Him;
Illumined every moment from on high,
Strive in each action God to glorify,
Nor let one thought of self life's radiance dim.” ... OHC 186.3

We may have Christ with us while engaged in our daily avocations. Wherever we are, in whatever we are engaged, we may be indeed elevated because we are united to Christ. We may take up our humble life duties ennobled by and sanctified through the assurance of the love of God. Working from principle in the humblest calling invests it with dignity. The consciousness that we are indeed the servants of Christ will give a higher tone of character to our everyday duties—ever cheerful, patient, forbearing, and gentle.... OHC 186.4

If you are seen to be firm in principle, fearless in duty, zealous in seeking to exemplify Christ in your daily work, yet humble, lowly, gentle and tender, patient and forgiving, ready to suffer and to forgive injuries, you will be a living epistle known and read of all men.^{58Letter 9, 1873.} OHC 186.5