Christian Help Work

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

Christian Help Work

(Third Reading)

OPPORTUNITIES are abundant for what is termed Christian Help work. It is possible that this line of work is more or less neglected in our great efforts to do other kinds of missionary work, but the requirements are plain in the Word of God regarding our duty to the poor and unfortunate, and in helping our neighbors. “Ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” Here is a field declared by the Lord himself to be ever open to missionary effort, and in this line of Christian Help work are great possibilities for utilizing a variety of talents, and for enlisting and holding the interest of old and young.

A faithful Help Band can scatter blessings both far and near. All can do something. In one place the dear grandmothers pieced quilt blocks, younger and stronger hands finished many a box of bedding and barrel of comfortable clothing, made ready to send away or to be distributed at home. The children made iron-holders, wash-cloths, and dish-towels. The husbands and brothers did their part on collection day, or at some needy person’s wood pile, and also supplied the wood. Everywhere are the sick to be cared for, and the sorrowing to be comforted.

We are inclined to look upon all this as very humble work, but it was not too humble to occupy the time and thoughts of our Saviour. One of the most successful ways of giving the message to those around us is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions and help bestowed, may be great factors in sweeping away prejudice. It has been said in some localities that Seventh-day Adventists seldom are seen only as they come to sell their literature. We surely do not want our neighbors to get this impression of us. Watch the opportunities to lend a helping hand in time of sickness or need.

A Word in Season

All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones, and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. In all our associations, it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that weaken courage, confidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life against great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold and silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels. This will open the way for us to help them.

Speak to them of God’s promises. Pray with and for them; inspire them with hope. Words of cheer and encouragement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low,—these are regarded by the Saviour as spoken to himself. Souls are in the balance. To-day we may mingle with those who seem indifferent, yet these may be longing for the riches of his grace.

The opportunity of to-morrow may never come. A wayward, wandering girl once heard the parable of the prodigal son, and as the explanation was given, her hungry heart and simple faith accepted Jesus. Shortly after, she was stricken with the fever; and when death was so near that it was supposed that all power of utterance was gone, she roused herself, and said in a clear, distinct voice: “Fetch them in, O be sure to fetch them in! Fetch them in and tell them of Jesus; tell them of Jesus; tell them of Jesus. O be sure to fetch them in!” Should we not continually bear on our hearts this burden for souls? The lives of our fellow men depend on how we live and how we work. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Jonathan Edwards, when a boy, wrote in his diary, “Resolved to live with all my might while I do live.” This is a good motto for Seventh-day Adventists.

What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?

“To every man his work.” That means, to you your work, to me my work. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” We are to sow in faith, for God has not promised that all the seed shall bear fruit. We may not see it in this life, but in the gathering day the Lord will be glorified in the fruits of our labor. We must work while the day lasts. Let us ask ourselves this question, For whom am I personally responsible? It may be our next-door neighbor. It may be our schoolmate, or it may be those we come in contact with each day. There is a work for us all according to our ability, and we may be sure of one thing, that our abilities will be enlarged as we use them. As we grow in grace and knowledge, we shall know that we are filling our place in the plan of God.

There was an incident of a young man who was always complaining at his lot, and wishing that he had some real work that would count in the world. He fell asleep, and dreamed that he was being conducted through a magnificent temple. There were grand pillars and lofty windows, and hundreds upon hundreds of niches, each beautifully adorned. Among these niches was only one that was bare and unsightly. Astonished, the young man asked his guide why so ugly a spot had been left to deform so lovely a building, and received the reply: “This is the temple of life. That is your niche, which you have failed to adorn.” He took the lesson to heart, and from that day began to fill his place and make his life beautiful. God could then make his life a blessing to others, and thus it may be with each of us who earnestly seeks the Lord to know what he would have us to do. There’ll be joy when the work is done.

“When I enter that beautiful city, Far removed from earth’s sorrow and fear, I want to hear somebody saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’ “When at home in those mansions eternal The saved of the nations appear, I want to have somebody tell me, ‘It was you who invited me here.’ “When the glad harps of heaven are ringing With music so tender and clear, I want to hear somebody singing, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”