The Signs of the Times
August 24, 1904
Willing to Spend and Be Spent
Every true, self-sacrificing worker for God is willing to spend and be spent for the sake of others. Christ says, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” By earnest, thoughtful efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God and for his fellow-beings. He may lose his life in service. But when Christ gathers His jewels to Himself, he will find it again. ST August 24, 1904, par. 1
Do not, for the sake of appearance, spend time and money on self. Those who do this are obliged to leave undone many things that would have comforted others, sending a warm glow to their weary spirits. We all need to learn to improve more faithfully the opportunities that so often come to us to bring light and hope into the lives of others. How can we improve these opportunities if our thoughts are centered upon self. He who is self-centered loses countless opportunities for doing that which would have brought blessing to himself and those around him. It is the duty of the servant of Christ, under every circumstance, to ask, What can I do to help others? Having done his best, he is to leave the consequences with God. ST August 24, 1904, par. 2
The Lord has provided for every one pleasure that may be enjoyed by rich and poor alike,—the pleasure found in cultivating pureness of thought and unselfishness of action, the pleasure that comes from speaking sympathizing words and doing kindly deeds. From those who perform such service the light of Christ shines forth to brighten lives darkened by many shadows. ST August 24, 1904, par. 3
The perils of the last days are upon us. Those who live to please and gratify self are dishonoring the Lord. He can not work with them; for they would misrepresent Him before those who are ignorant of the truth. Be very careful not to hinder, by an unwise expenditure of means, the work that the Lord would have done in proclaiming the warning message to a world lying in wickedness. Study economy, cutting down your personal expenses to the lowest possible figure. On every hand the necessities of the cause of God are calling for help. God may see that you are fostering pride. He may see that it is necessary to remove from you blessings which, instead of improving, you have used for the gratification of selfish pride. The truth that we hear will save us only as we gladly accept it, showing in our lives the result of its working, growing in grace and in a knowledge of God. ST August 24, 1904, par. 4
Help in Every Time of Need
Those who are laboring in places where the work has not long been started will often find themselves in great need of better facilities. Their work will seem to be hindered for lack of these facilities; but let them not worry. Let them take the whole matter to the Lord in prayer. When trying to build up the work in new territory, we have often gone to the limit of our resources. At times it has seemed as if we could advance no farther. But we kept our petitions ascending to the heavenly courts, all the time denying self; and God heard and answered our prayers, sending us means for the advancement of the work. ST August 24, 1904, par. 5
Lay every care at the feet of the Redeemer. “Ask, and it shall be given unto you.” Work, and pray, and believe with the whole heart. Do not wait till the money is in your hands before doing anything. God has declared that the standard of truth is to be planted in many places. Learn to believe, as you pray to God for help. Practise self-denial; for Christ's whole life on this earth was one of self-denial. He came to show us what we must be and do in order to gain eternal life. ST August 24, 1904, par. 6
Do your best, and then wait, patiently, hopefully, rejoicingly, because the promises of God can not fail. Failure comes because many who could put their means into circulation for the advancement of God's work are lacking in faith. The longer they withhold their means, the less faith they will have. They are barrier builders, who fearfully retard the work of God. ST August 24, 1904, par. 7
My dear fellow-workers, be true, hopeful, courageous. Let every blow be struck in faith. As you do your best, the Lord will reward your faithfulness. From the life-giving Fountain draw physical, mental, and spiritual, energy. Manliness, womanliness,—sanctified, purified, refined, ennobled,—we have the promise of receiving. We need that faith which will enable us to endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. As you fix your eyes upon Him, you will be filled with a deep love for the souls for whom He died, and you will receive strength for renewed effort. ST August 24, 1904, par. 8
Christ is our only hope. Come to God in the name of Him who gave His life for the life of the world. Rely upon the efficacy of His sacrifice. Show that His love, His joy, is in your soul, and that because of this, your joy is full. In God is our strength. Pray much. Prayer is the life of the soul. The prayer of faith is the weapon by which we may successfully resist every assault of the enemy. ST August 24, 1904, par. 9