Every Christian’s Work by Ellen G. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1916

Every Christian’s Work

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

(From the REVIEW of Feb. 28, 1893.)

“WATCHMAN, what of the night?” Are the watchmen to whom comes this cry able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world; and what efforts are we putting forth that it may be accomplished?

The people have listened to too much sermonizing; but have they been instructed as to how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has there been a line of work devised and laid out before the people in such a way that each one saw the necessity of taking part in the work? Have men and women been educated so that they are efficient in home and foreign missionary fields? It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not brought up this kind of labor, and the churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing the light of truth to others.

Careful instruction should be given that will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use in benefiting others. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members who have ability, and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others.

There are youth in our churches who could be educated to do a work for the Master in visiting the sick, in running on errands of mercy. This work is not done, because no attention has been given to the matter. Sometimes men and women have been selected to do certain work, and because they have made mistakes, the work has been dropped. This is not as it should be. Let those who are just gaining an experience be invited to meet with more experienced workers, and as did the disciples after their first missionary effort, let them tell what they have done, and what have been their failures or successes. In this way opportunity will be given to reprove or encourage, as the case may demand, and teach them how to work in the best manner.

What can we expect but deterioration in religious life when the people listen to sermon after sermon, and do not put into practice the instruction given? The ability God has given, if not exercised, will degenerate; and men and women unemployed will become as tools that rust from inaction.

Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary work. Put work into their hands, and let not the youth be ignored, but let them come in to share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do some little errand of love and mercy for those less fortunate than themselves.

In our large churches, . . . there should be some plan set in operation whereby the talents of all may be put to use; and as they learn how to bless others by imparting light, they will be learning what practical Christianity means.

But let those who are sent to instruct others, see to it that they do it in a manner similar to that in which Christ taught his disciples. Jesus did not say to his followers, Do this, and do that, but he said, “Follow me.” He led the way, and took his disciples with him on his journeys through country and city, that they might see how he taught the people. He linked their interest with his, and they united with him in the work.

Many have been educated to think that they must live upon sermons from week to week; but they know not how to practice what they hear. The very simplest methods of work should be devised, and set in operation among the churches. If the members will coöperate with such a plan, and perseveringly carry it out, they will reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase through exercise, and souls will be saved through their efforts.

But if, on the other hand, the churches are left to their inactivity, Satan will see that they are employed. He will preoccupy the field, and give the members lines of work to do that will engage their energies, kill spirituality, and make them fall as dead weights upon the church.

When the church is in a low condition, and in need of help, it is not best to devote all the time to sermonizing. It is better to form classes to seek for spiritual wisdom, and call into exercise the talents of the young and the old, by setting brethren and sisters to work for those who need help most in the church. In seeking to benefit their brethren in the church, they will gain an experience that will qualify them for labor among those who do not understand our faith, or even the first elements of religion.

While sermons may point out the way, the best results will not be seen until the members of the church go forth to practice what has been presented from the desk. There are scores who have real ability, who are rusting from inaction, and yet many of these do not know how to set themselves at work for the Master.

But let some one who has ability to devise ways whereby this talent may be utilized, lay out before these inactive ones the line of work that they could do, and let them understand that this is expected from them, and many who are now unemployed will become true laborers.

The parable of the talents should be explained to all. The members of the churches should be made to understand that they are the light of the world, and according to their several ability the Lord expects that his professed followers will enlighten and bless those around them. Those who have heard so much preaching ought certainly to know that if they undertake to work for the Lord, they will have divine aid. The Lord has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” If they seek strength and wisdom from him, they will not seek in vain.

If in accepting responsibility, in seeking to impart light to others, they tremble under the cross, they will be led to the Saviour to find strength and grace and power. Through this experience they will learn to rely, not on their ministers, but on the Lord himself. They will learn to go to Jesus for help, and will not be so dependent on their ministers. They will learn that we have a Minister in heaven who understands all our necessities, who is full of wisdom, and unerring in understanding.

(To be concluded)