Go to Work by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1910

Go to Work

By F. M. W.

WORK is the panacea for a multitude of spiritual as well as physical ills. Stagnation and death result from inactivity in both realmes of operation. Exercise is life. Work takes the mind away from self and self-centered interests. It leads one to forget his woes and worries. It drives away his pessimism, and makes him hopeful and happy. No Christian can thrive without maintaining an active state of existence. The Christ life was a life of earnest, active, persistent labor. The record of Christ is that he “went about doing good.” Those possessing real spiritual power are always earnest workers in the Master’s vineyard.

And the reverse is also true. In every church the men and women who are sour and critical, who are narrow-minded and pessimistic, are those who do nothing. If this class could but realize the sweetness of labor, could enter into this spirit of earnest work for others, it would bring a joy into their experience which perhaps they never knew before, and certainly a joy which far surpasses anything which they now feel.

Work for others not only does the recipient good, but it returns with tenfold reactive power to bless the participant. As we seek to help others, our own souls are lifted out of the clouds of darkness and discouragement. We are elevated from the lowlands of doubt and uncertainty to the highlands of faith, praise, and joyfulness.

Poor, discouraged one, would you seek relief from your depression, go to work for some one else. Cease to turn your eyes inward, forget self, forget your own pains and unfavorable environment, consider the less favorable surroundings of some poor unfortunate. Do not wait for a flight of feeling, for some mighty impulse which will take you out of yourself. This may never come. Do what you know God wants you to do, what your own judgment tells you you ought to do. Reach out to help others. Talk faith, and faith will come to your own heart. This is our hope in the times of darkness thickening around us. Amid the enshrouding gloom we must fix our eyes upon God, and look upward instead of downward. There is a rift in the cloud overhead. By faith our eyes can catch the gleam that comes from the open door of God’s grace; and by reaching out the hand of helpfulness to our unfortunate fellows, we may be enabled to draw their gaze to the great Source of power. Let us find in work for others the remedy and solace for our own spiritual ills.

F. M. W.