p. 4 | Ways of Working by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 17, 1910

_Ways of Working_

By F. M. W.

A LIVING Christian is a working Christian. The life of Jesus Christ was an intensely active life. His was a positive, aggressive Christianity. This spirit will actuate those in whom he actively dwells. He has given every man his work. In his broad harvest-field there is a place for every man, woman, and child who desires to labor for him. It is not enough for one to say to-day that he can not find anything to do, or any channel in which thus to express his service of love. There have been suggested many ways and means whereby we may do this. A few of these we will enumerate here:—

1. Visit the sick and those in distress. The visiting of the fatherless and the widow, according to the apostle James, is a proof of pure religion. These unfortunate ones may be found everywhere. There is no home where sorrow or distress does not sometime intrude. As messengers of light and comfort we may minister to the Master in the person of his children.

2. Closely akin to ministry to the sick is the doing of so-called Christian Help work. Years ago this work was profitably done in the vicinity of many of our churches. Of late it has fallen into disuse. Let it be revived in every community. Let us take the excellent principles of health which God has given us, the knowledge which we possess of simple treatments, and minister particularly to those in need.

3. Distribution of tracts and periodicals. To many of our friends and neighbors we may loan a tract or a paper calling attention to some interesting article, and we shall find them more than ready to read some of our publications. This may be the entering wedge whereby their interest will be enlisted in the truth for this time.

4. Missionary correspondence. Many Seventh-day Adventists have become such by tracts and papers sent them through the mails in years gone by. There needs to be a revival of this old-time missionary work among us. It presents vast opportunities. It promises most fruitful results, and many who can not get out to engage in personal work, in the quietude of their own homes, could undertake such labor.

5. Selling periodicals and small books. An excellent field is presented for this work in nearly every neighborhood, particularly at some seasons of the year. While the efforts of our regular agents are confined for the most part to our large books, there is a line of smaller books of which many of our people could distribute thousands. This work would afford an excellent beginning and a rich experience for more extensive labor.

6. Cottage meetings. In this is afforded also an excellent opportunity of coming in touch with those around us. We do not need to start on a large scale; we can invite one or more of our neighbors to join us in a prayer circle, and as the interest deepens, let the circle widen. There is no reason, even if we may differ from those around us in doctrine, why we should not unite with them in prayer, and seek to come close to them in their Christian experience. This touch of soul with soul, and heart with heart, may be the means of drawing them nearer to God, and revealing to them a light which they do not now possess.

7. Presenting the truth in the columns of magazines and papers. All, of course, can not undertake this work, but there are those in every conference, and in nearly every church, who could do very acceptable service in this way. Of course, great care should be used in the preparation of these articles, so that they shall rightly represent the noble cause in which we are engaged.

If one has a real desire to work for God, the Spirit itself will suggest ways and means to meet all conditions and circumstances. No soul can start out of a morning with a purpose to be a blessing in the world, but that Providence will open before him more opportunities than he can possibly fill. There must be first a willing mind, willing feet, willing hands, and a consecrated heart. God can take these members devoted to his service, and use them with mighty power for the accomplishment of his work in the world. Shall we not all take hold anew in service for God? Let every soul inquire: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” and then as the Spirit leads, follow in the path open before him. The joy of Christian living is the joy of loving service for the one who has done so much for us. Into the joy of this service we may enter here, and the glorious fruitage of it we may see in the kingdom of God. F. M. W.