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The Youth’s Instructor

141/477

August 9, 1894

Work for the Lord

EGW

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” YI August 9, 1894, par. 1

The work of all believers is to cooperate with Christ in seeking those who are lost. Christ has given this work to his followers, and the members of the church stand arraigned before God as unfaithful, unless they shall undertake this work disinterestedly and thoroughly. Many will urge that there are other duties that keep them from doing the work, and so excuse themselves from being missionaries for God. YI August 9, 1894, par. 2

“And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.” There are many Christian youth that can do a good work if they will learn lessons in the school of Christ from the great Teacher. Even though pastors, evangelists, and teachers should neglect the seeking of the lost, let not the children and youth neglect to be doers of the word. The lesson of Christ in this scripture is to be received and believed and acted upon in living faith. Let young men, and women, and children go to work in the name of Jesus. Let them unite together upon some plan and order of action. Cannot you form a band of workers, and have set times to pray together and ask the Lord to give you his grace, and put forth united action? You should consult with men who love and fear God, and who have experience in the work, that under the movings of the Spirit of God, you may form plans and develop methods by which you may work in earnest and for certain results. The Lord will help those who will use their God-intrusted capabilities to his name's glory. YI August 9, 1894, par. 3

Will our young men and young women who believe the truth, become living missionaries? Take the promises of God, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Ask blessings for today; and hour by hour, moment by moment, live your prayers for today. You are not called upon to resist temptation for tomorrow; but we may consider the saying as significant, “In today walks tomorrow.” As you pray for strength to resist temptations today, watch unto prayer today. Ask the Holy Spirit's guidance, and abiding with Christ, watching and praying, and resisting temptation, you will become strong for the duties of tomorrow. This is the assurance that is given. “Every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” God has made this promise, and he has illustrated his willingness to fulfil it, by presenting the willingness of earthly parents to give good gifts unto their children. He says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” YI August 9, 1894, par. 4

Will those who shall read these words consider that they are to undertake good works, trusting wholly in Jesus Christ for his grace and sufficiency? You have the pledged word of God that he will be a present help in every time of need. Place all your moral and physical powers under the control of the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus, who gave his own life for you, will quicken your perceptions, as he has promised, in giving you the Comforter. The light will shine into your hearts, and you will be true soldiers in the army of the Lord. YI August 9, 1894, par. 5

As you labor for others, the divine power of the Spirit will work upon their souls; for they have been purchased by the blood of the only begotten Son of God. We can be successful in winning souls for whom Christ has died, only as we shall depend on the grace and power of God to do the work of convicting and converting the heart. While you are presenting to them the truth of God, unbelief and uncertainty will strive to hold the mind; but let the pledged word of God expel doubt from your hearts. Take God at his word, and work in faith. Satan will come with his suggestions to make you distrust the word of your heavenly Father; but consider, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Press your faith through the dark shadow of Satan, and lodge it upon the mercy seat, and let not one doubt be entertained. This is the only way in which you will gain an experience, and find the evidence so essential for your peace and confidence. As your experience grows, you will have increased ardor of soul, and warmer love for the service of God, because you have oneness of purpose with Jesus Christ. Your sympathies are begotten of the Holy Spirit. You wear the yoke with Christ, and are laborers together with God. YI August 9, 1894, par. 6

The soul that is imbued with the love of Jesus will never lose interest for perishing souls. Such a person loves to contemplate Jesus, and by beholding him, will become changed into his likeness. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. His confidence increases that he is loved of God, and his love deepens and widens, as he has the assurance that he is abiding in Christ and Christ in him. YI August 9, 1894, par. 7

Temptations will come to the newly-converted soul. Old habits and practices will seek for the mastery; but in the name of Jesus, resist every temptation. Christ knows your trials, and will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to resist. Jesus partook of our human nature, and was tempted in all points like as we are. And we may look to Jesus for his tenderest sympathy and be encouraged to persevere, putting our whole trust in him who has said, “Be of good cheer: I have overcome world.” YI August 9, 1894, par. 8

Will you not open your heart to receive such a Saviour, and praise him with soul and voice? We offer too little thanksgiving to God. Consider the words of Christ: “Without me ye can do nothing;” and wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, look continually to Jesus, and let the love of God dwell in you richly as you cooperate with the Holy Spirit and divine intelligences in representing Jesus Christ. YI August 9, 1894, par. 9

Mrs. E. G. White