The Signs of the Times
March 23, 1904
A Life of Helpfulness
God has given every one a part to act in His great plan for the uplifting of humanity. Christ has linked together the human and the divine. On this earth, in the garb of humanity, He lived the life that He desires His disciples to live,—a life of unselfish service. Are we living this life? Are we giving the invitation: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? ... Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon”? ST March 23, 1904, par. 1
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God calls upon us to point those in error to the right way. How can they hear without a preacher? It is not only ordained ministers who are to do this work. Angels of heaven will co-operate with those who labor unselfishly for the Master. Much more than sermonizing is included in service for God. The ignorant are to be enlightened, the discouraged uplifted, the sick healed. The human voice is to act its part in God's work. Words of tenderness, sympathy, and love are to witness to the truth. Earnest, heartfelt prayers are to bring angels near. ST March 23, 1904, par. 2
In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. “If thou knewest the gift of God,” He said, “and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.” He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the Gospel. This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. It is of little use for us to go to pleasure-lovers, theater-goers, drunkards, and gamblers, and scathingly rebuke them for their sins. This will do no good. We must offer them something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must tell them of God's holy law, the transcript of His character, and an expression of that which He wishes them to become. ST March 23, 1904, par. 3
There are many who are engaged in a wild chase after worldly pleasure and earthly riches. Thus they think to gain happiness. But pleasure and wealth are powerless to bring true happiness. Fame, genius, skill,—all are equally unable to gladden the sorrowful heart. Games, theaters, horse-races, will not satisfy the longing of the soul. Human beings were not created to be satisfied in this way. Show them how infinitely superior to the fleeting joys and pleasures of this world is the imperishable glory of heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest and peace to be found in the Saviour. “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst,” He declares. Lift up Jesus, crying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” He alone can satisfy the restless craving of the heart, and give peace to the troubled mind. Wealth can not do this; pleasure can not do it. Title, rank, learning, power, all are worthless to bless and heal. ST March 23, 1904, par. 4
There are many souls in perplexity, weighed down by a load of guilt. They desire to be delivered from sin. They have wandered from the springs of true happiness, and have poisoned their lives by drinking of the murky waters of transgression. They need the help of a friendly, outstretched hand. Teach them how to reach upward, how to live so that they will gain the respect of their fellow men. Altho the will has been depraved and weakened, there is hope for them in Christ. He will waken in their hearts higher impulses and holier desires. They need to hear the words of encouragement, that they may lay hold of the hope set before them in the Gospel. The promises of God's Word will be to them as the leaves of the tree of life. Patiently continue your efforts until, with grateful joy, the trembling hand grasps the hope of redemption through Christ. ST March 23, 1904, par. 5
It is the one who has been tempted and tried, and whose hope was well-nigh gone, but who was saved by hearing a message of love, who can best understand the science of soul-saving. He whose heart is filled with love for Christ, because he has been sought for by the Saviour, and brought back to the fold, knows how to work for others. He can point sinners to the Lamb of God. He has given himself without reserve to God, and has been accepted in the Beloved. The hand that in his weakness he held out for help has been grasped. By the ministry of such ones, many prodigals will be brought to the Father, to present themselves before Him in contrition and penitence. ST March 23, 1904, par. 6