Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 38, 1902

Fruitful in Every Good Work

March 10, 1902 [typed]

Previously unpublished. +^Note

“Fruitful in every good work.” [Colossians 1:10.] 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 1

The Lord has revealed to me that in carrying forward the work there should be an interchange of gifts. Men should be transferred from one Conference to another. It is not the best plan to keep ministers continually in one field of labor. If such a plan were followed, not so many additions would be made to the churches, and the church members would neither be strengthened nor would they gain an all-round experience in saving souls. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 2

It is not God’s purpose that ministers should be expected and left to do the greatest part of the work of sowing seeds of truth. Hundreds of men and women now idle could work, if they were encouraged to do so. By carrying the truth into the homes of their neighbors and friends, faithful men and women of prayer can do a great work for the Master. God is no respecter of persons. He will use humble, devoted Christians who have the love of truth in the heart. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 3

In laboring among the churches, the greatest wisdom should be exercised to develop talent. Men who are not called to the gospel ministry should be encouraged to labor for the Master according to their several abilities. Let them engage in special service for Him by doing house-to-house work. Sitting by the fireside, such men—if humble, discreet, and godly—can do more to meet the real needs of families than could a minister. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 4

The holding of Bible readings, the opening of the Scriptures in cottage meetings, will be a means of presenting the truth to a large number. In this manner men and women may do a great work. Some of those engaging in personal, house-to-house labor will by the improvement of their talents develop into workers capable of filling higher positions of trust. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 5

Our sisters are inexcusable for allowing God-given talents to rust from inaction. It is not meet for us, my sisters, to wait for greater opportunities or holier dispositions. Christ asks, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” [Matthew 20:6.] We should now consecrate all—soul and body—to Christ, believing in His power to save, and having confidence that He will use us as instrumentalities to do His will and to glorify His name. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 6

We are not doing all that we might do to encourage continual simplicity in the Lord’s work. As workers for God, we must not allow our service be become formal. We must lay responsibilities upon humble, God-fearing men and women. If they consecrate themselves to Him, He will accept their disinterested efforts and work through them. If they place themselves in right relation to Him, light form the throne above will shine upon them, making them channels of blessing to others. All that they accomplish may not at once be seen, but they are sowing seed that will yield fruit unto eternal life. 17LtMs, Ms 38, 1902, par. 7