The Review and Herald
December 2, 1890
Workers With Christ
Jesus, who has redeemed us from Satan's power, has exalted us to the high privilege of being co-laborers with himself. All who choose Christ as their leader, solemnly pledge themselves to his service. If they are true to this covenant, their feelings, their sympathies, their labors, are with Christ. Eternal things will be their highest consideration. They will search the Scriptures with earnest interest and with prayer that they may know the will of God and do it from the heart; that they may work for the best interests of all with whom they associate. RH December 2, 1890, par. 1
It is enjoined upon all the disciples of Christ to watch for souls as those who must give an account. To live only for the present hour and not keep heaven in view, to live for selfish enjoyment, is not the way to find peace, rest, or happiness. The Lord has committed to every one his work, and this work cannot with safety be in any wise neglected. We must not only seek through his grace to purify and ennoble our own lives, connecting ourselves, mind and heart, with the source of light and truth, but through the grace freely given us of God we must reflect upon others the light which he has imparted to us. There is a solemn, important work to be done through personal effort to save souls. We are to watch for every opportunity to reflect light upon the pathway of others. Christ sought out those who most felt the need of his help. The more we are imbued with the spirit of Christ, the more we shall seek to do for our fellow-creatures; and the more we do for others, the greater will be our love for the work, and the greater our delight in following the footsteps of our divine Master. RH December 2, 1890, par. 2
If we neglect the work enjoined upon us in the word of God, we shall lose sight of eternal interests. Those who seek merely to save their own souls,—who study their own convenience, and are indifferent to the condition and destiny of their fellow-men,—will surely fail of securing their own salvation. RH December 2, 1890, par. 3
In every branch of our work for the Master, our success depends upon our connection with God. We need the counsel and help of God at every step. Laborers together with God cannot become careless of their precious moments. They must watch unto prayer, and purify their souls by obeying the truth, keeping a clear conscience before God, making the most of the light and privileges given them. They may come with boldness to the throne of grace, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting. In faith they may supplicate our Heavenly Father for wisdom and grace that they may know how to work, how to deal with minds. RH December 2, 1890, par. 4
Souls are perishing all around us; it is only through God that we can reach and save them. If we ourselves are sanctified through the truth, then by precept and example we may teach them the way of the Lord. We are to do our God-given work with fidelity; we are not to fail or be discouraged, lest the souls for whom Christ has died shall be lost through our neglect. RH December 2, 1890, par. 5
Spiritual indolence is sin. If we allow selfishness to come in and occupy our time and absorb the mind and affections, we are unfitted for the solemn work, and the record is made, Unfaithful servants. It means much to have an eye single to the glory of God. We are to let no object interpose between our souls and God. We are in danger of worshiping earthly, temporal things, thus disqualifying ourselves for putting to the best use our God-given powers. In that case we are robbing God of time, money, and service. RH December 2, 1890, par. 6
The Lord has endowed man with noble powers to be employed in his service, and he means that all his intrusted gifts shall be used unselfishly to bless humanity, to build up his kingdom by bringing souls to the knowledge of the truth. As we exercise the talents God has given us, improving every opportunity, they will increase, and we shall have more talents to use. But if we allow ourselves to be careless and irresponsible, we misapply God's intrusted gifts, and our powers will become enfeebled. The enemy takes advantage of the misapplied talents to build up his kingdom. RH December 2, 1890, par. 7
Christ came to lead men to holiness, teaching them to love their fellow-men as he their Saviour had loved them. He is the fountain of all hope, of all peace, of all happiness. If we are indeed partakers of the divine nature, our spiritual life will give evidence that we have been drinking of the exhaustless fountain which has refreshed and blessed the soul. Christ will be in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life, and we can refresh all with whom we come in contact. RH December 2, 1890, par. 8
Let those whose hearts glow with the Saviour's love, talk of Jesus, dwelling upon his infinite sacrifice in behalf of man. Dwell much upon his second appearing to our world; tell also of his first coming from heaven, his life of constant humiliation and sacrifice. With softened heart and tearful eye, tell the story of his dying upon Calvary's cross, because he loved us, that we might be saved. RH December 2, 1890, par. 9
“Ye are,” says Christ, “the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Looking unto Jesus, working for Jesus, having the eye single to his glory, you will be imbued with his Spirit; you will not fail or be discouraged. You who have been alive to worldly interests, will you now show an interest in eternal things proportionate to their true value? RH December 2, 1890, par. 10
Nothing has been withheld from us that God could give. So ample was the gift poured out to man, that there was nothing more which God could bestow. He is our best friend, our benefactor. Shall we not give evidence of our gratitude to him, not only by thanksgiving and praise, but by offerings to extend to others the knowledge of his great gift? How do you expect sinners to be converted, unless you do your duty in giving them the light of truth? Can you pray in faith for God to enlighten them, while you are withholding the means he has placed in your hands for the accomplishment of this very work? You will seek in vain to convince others of the preciousness of Christ, while you yourselves show that you value his grace so lightly, and are so unwilling to deny yourselves for his dear sake. RH December 2, 1890, par. 11
Show your appreciation of Christ by bringing into the treasury of God your thank-offerings and your sin-offerings. Instead of bestowing gifts upon one another, bring your oblations to God. Seek to turn the minds of your children and your entire household, and the minds of your friends, to Him who is worthy of your highest honor and your best gifts. RH December 2, 1890, par. 12
Is not the missionary work that is to be done in our world of sufficient importance to command our influence and support? Should we not deny ourselves of every extravagance, and put our gifts into the treasury of God, that the truth may be sent into other countries, and that home missions may be sustained? Will not this work meet the approval of Heaven? The work for these last days has not been supported by large legacies, or advanced by worldly influence. It has been sustained by gifts that were the result of self-denial, of the spirit of sacrifice. God has given us the privilege of becoming partakers with Christ in his sufferings here, and he has provided that we may have a title to an inheritance in the earth made new. The secret of our success in the work of God will be found in the harmonious working of our people. There must be concentrated action. Every member of the body of Christ must act his part in the cause of God, according to the ability that God has given him. We must press together against obstructions and difficulties, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. RH December 2, 1890, par. 13
Are we indeed the representatives of Christ? Then with all the powers of our being let us cooperate with Christ. Let us work diligently as he did to counteract Satan's work of perverting everything that might turn the mind to the interests of God's cause and the upbuilding of his kingdom. RH December 2, 1890, par. 14
Parents, in wisdom and love teach your children the grand lesson that in God we live, and move, and have our being. Every pulsation of the heart is a rebound from the touch of the finger of God. He watches over us by day, and under his wings we find shelter by night. His preserving care is over us, whether we wake or sleep. He is as a sentinel to guard us from Satan's power, or we should be taken captive by him. Jesus is our constant friend. We are to look to him moment by moment, and by looking to him we are to live. It will not pay for any one of us to become self-centered, to study our ease, or pleasure, or selfish indulgence in any respect. It is enough for us if our life is hid with Christ in God. If the life of Jesus is in us, we shall seek the glory of God in everything. We shall daily humble our hearts before God, and at the foot of the cross we shall have distinct views of the loveliness of Christ. We shall make Christ first, and last, and best in everything. We cannot glorify God if we place man where God should be. Not a word of praise should be diverted from God to sinful men. But if we walk humbly with God, working the works of Christ, our characters will become like that of our Lord; and when we most nearly reflect the likeness of Christ, we are giving the greatest honor to God. RH December 2, 1890, par. 15