Whom Does the Lord Call to Service? by V. O. COLE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1915

Whom Does the Lord Call to Service?

By V. O. COLE

Is the Lord particular in setting aside individuals for service? David answers the question in these words: “But know that the Lord has set aside him that is godly for himself.” Ps. 4: 3.

We may feel ourselves very unworthy, but when an individual surrenders himself to God for service, the Lord sees in that person something that is godly, and he sets him aside for himself. Can heaven or earth bestow upon that individual a greater honor than that of becoming a humble servant for the Master? Then, instead of dreading the Lord’s call to service, should it not be greatly desired, and should we not be greatly alarmed about our condition if we have not heard the call?

When Isaiah saw the Lord, he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” The Lord heard his cry, and said, “Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then, as soon as his sin was taken away, he heard the call of the Lord to service. The only thing that keeps us from hearing the call of God to service is sin; for as soon as Isaiah’s sin was purged, he heard the call, and answered, “Here am I; send me.”

But says one, “I know that the Lord calls ministers to their work, but do you really think that he calls colporteurs?”

The servant of the Lord has said: “The canvasser is engaged in an honorable business, and he should not act as if he were ashamed of it. . . . He who

is called of God to so sacred a work should feel that its accomplishment demands all his energies. . . . God calls the canvassers back to their work. He calls for volunteers who will put all their energies and enlightenment into their work.”

If, then, the colporteur really gets his call from God the same as the minister, is it safe to change his work as he would his raiment? Should he not plan to engage in the work twelve months in the year, and thus make it an occupation for life, or until the Lord plainly indicates a change?

Another may say, “Sometimes obstacles hinder us, and so we have to give up, at least for a time.” Let us see whether or not this is a safe policy.

Question.— Who is it that causes these obstacles?

Answer.— The enemy.

Ques.— Who gave the call to service?

Ans.— The Lord.

Then when the Lord calls to service, and we allow obstacles or difficulties to call us out, we then march out under the enemy’s banner, and place ourselves on his ground.

I know from personal experience that there is no stronger stay to one in times of difficulty than to know that the Lord has called to his service, for it serves as an anchor, and holds him through every difficulty. So, then, by his help, let us settle this one thing, that, after receiving a call from God to enter his work, we cannot afford to heed a call from the enemy to surrender our weapons, and cease the great warfare for souls.

May each colporteur sense the importance of continuing to march under the right banner.

V. O. COLE.