Pacific Union Recorder
July 21, 1904
Unselfish Service—2
When the mind of Christ becomes our mind, and His works our works, we shall be able to keep the fast described by the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens?” Find out what the poor and suffering are in need of, and then, in love and tenderness, help them to courage and hope and confidence by sharing with them the good things that God has given you. Thus you will be doing the very work that God means you to do. “Let the oppressed go free.” Do not rest until you break every yoke. It is not possible for you to neglect this and yet obey God. PUR July 21, 1904, par. 1
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” How much of this hiding has been done! How many have closed their eyes and locked the door of the heart, lest the softening influences should prompt them to works of kindness and charity. The heart is ever inclined to the concerns and objects of the world; but we must hear and obey the voice of God. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” “If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. . . . For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” PUR July 21, 1904, par. 2
As Christ's workers, we have done much in a heartless, compulsory way. We have not remembered that every hour, every moment, is precious, fraught with eternal responsibilities. We need now to repent of our half-heartedness and to hide in Jesus, separating all selfishness and vanity from our work. We are threads in the great web of humanity, and we are not to mar the fabric by a want of pure, unselfish benevolence. We must stand as God's servants, independent of the world, yet constantly shining as lights in the world, ever, both in faith and practise, representing Christ. The life of the Christian will testify that he is governed by laws other than those which the world obeys; laws of a higher order. Oneness with Christ enables men to wield an influence far above that of the renowned of this world. While following the example of Christ, they have, through His grace, power to benefit the church and the community. Their influence is felt just in proportion to the distinctness of the line of demarcation which separates them in spirit and principle from the world. Representing in character the attributes of Christ, they may carry forward to a glorious completion the work which He left them. PUR July 21, 1904, par. 3
Ellen G. White