Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 53, 1906

The Reward of Fidelity

1906

Portions of this manuscript are published in LDE 219.

Each one is rewarded according to his fidelity. The fidelity shown is the standard by which the work done is measured. Proportionate to the faithfulness with which the gifts entrusted are used will be the reward bestowed when our Lord comes to reckon with His stewards. It is not the amount entrusted that decides the reward of the worker, but the measure of consecration with which he devotes his gifts to the Master’s service. The widow gave only two mites, but she gave all she had; and her fidelity was rewarded by the Saviour’s commendation. Christ declared that she gave more than those who had made much larger gifts. He who knows the heart thus judges of the sacrifice. A whole-hearted interest in the work of soul-saving is accounted by God as of great value. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 1

The reward bestowed is proportionate to the devotion shown in the work for which Christ gave His life. It is the self-denial endured for the Lord’s sake that determines the place which men and women shall occupy in the heavenly courts. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 2

When church members make the work and service of God supreme, the day of rewards will be hastened. And in that day those who have unselfishly used their powers to promote the work of God will receive a reward that will astonish them by its greatness. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 3

Selfishness, worldly ambition, and self-gratification are to be laid in the dust. Covetousness eats away the manliness and nobility of the man who cherishes it. He loses heaven because he gave his life up to selfish scheming. In this life he refused to put away covetousness, and he will have no second trial. To love God with a supreme devotion is the greatest height of excellence to which human beings can attain. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 4

When the one who has sought advantages for himself appears before the judgment seat of God, the Lord will say to him, “Depart from me. ... For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye clothed Me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not. ... Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.” [Matthew 25:41-43, 45.] 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 5

To the indolent, those who are careless and indifferent in their performance of duty, He declares, “He that is not with Me is against Me, and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.” [Matthew 12:30.] 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 6

Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not gained by any merit of our own. When we take eternal life, we shall take it not as a reward, but as a gift, bestowed on us through the grace of Him who gave His life for us. Pardon for sin was purchased by Christ with His blood. And we in turn are to impart to others the blessings bestowed on us, appropriating as faithful financiers the Lord’s entrusted capital. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 7

An occasional good deed, a fitful moment of benevolence—will this satisfy the requirements of God? No, no. In the day of judgment some will plead this good deed and that as a reason why they should receive consideration. They will say, I set young men up in business. I gave money to found hospitals. I relieved the necessities of widows and took the poor into my home. Yes, but your motives were so defiled by selfishness that the deed was not acceptable in the sight of the Lord. In all that you did, self was brought prominently to view. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 8

There are those who spend money to make a great display. At the last day Christ will say to them: “I know you not. You have wasted my property, misled the youth, and caused infidelity to increase.” 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 9

Christ is the glory of the whole plan of redemption. The promises made to us are in and through Him. Those who with sincere repentance come to Christ confessing their sins will find pardon. Oh, there are human beings who are preparing for the brightness of heaven’s glory. These may be unknown by the world, but in the courts above they receive abundant recognition. 21LtMs, Ms 53, 1906, par. 10