Laboring for Souls by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 8, 1916

Laboring for Souls

By GEO. O. STATES

GEO. O. STATES

“I MUST work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4. Christ came into this world to do his work. He had a special work to do and a definite time in which to do it. During the years that he lived here in the flesh, he was fitting his disciples for their work.

“For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work.” Mark 13:34. Here is brought out the thought that every follower of Christ has a definite work; not one is excused. “God expects personal service from every one to whom he has intrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time. Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. There are many ways in which church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. . . . At every work of mercy, every work of love, angels of God are present. . . . Those who share in Christ’s glory must share also in his ministry, helping the weak, the wretched, and the despondent.” —Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, pp. 30, 31.

“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:41, 42. The first thing Andrew did was to labor for his family. The servants of God knew the time was near that the Messiah should appear on the stage of action; and as fast as they were convinced that they had found Christ, they began laboring to bring others to him also.

The spirit of Christ is the spirit of labor. It is not the great things we do that count; for Matt. 10:42 says, “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

We are not laboring for worldly honor, but to save souls. Little do we realize that just a word spoken at the right time, in the right way, may change a course of life. Our labor may not be appreciated; Christ was not appreciated.

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” John 1:10. The underlying principle of it all was love, the love of souls; that was the grand object. “But those who do not impart the light they have received will one day realize that they have sustained a fearful loss. . . . Church members are to put forth the

continuous, persevering efforts that He put forth. They are to be ever ready to spring into action in obedience to the Master’s commands. Wherever we see work waiting to be done, we are to take it up and do it, constantly looking unto Jesus. If our church members would heed this instruction, hundreds of souls would be won to Jesus. If every church member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues. . . .”

“The watchmen on the walls of Zion are to be wide-awake, and they are to arouse others. God’s people are to be so earnest and faithful in their work for him that all selfishness will be separated from their lives. His workers will then see eye to eye, and the arm of the Lord, the power of which was seen in the life of Christ, will be revealed. Confidence will be restored, and there will be unity in the churches throughout our ranks.”

“The Lord is calling upon his people to take up different lines of work. Those in the highways and byways of life are to hear the gospel message. Church members are to do evangelistic work in the homes of their neighbors who have not yet received full evidence of the truth for this time.”

“God calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying without hope and without God in the world. . . .”

“Many of God’s people are to go forth with our publications into places where the third angel’s message has never been proclaimed. Our books are to be published in many different languages. With these books, humble, faithful men are to go out as colporteur-evangelists, bearing the truth to those who would otherwise never be enlightened. . . .”

“Those who have long known the truth need to seek the Lord most earnestly, that their hearts may be filled with a determination to work for their neighbors.”—Id., pp. 32-34.

How may we best succeed in laboring for souls? “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil. 2: 3. “It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christlike men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in his strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, ‘Come; for all things are now ready.’ Luke 14:17. . . .”

“Visit your neighbors, and show an interest in the salvation of their souls. Arouse every spiritual energy to action. Tell those whom you visit that the end of all things is at hand. The Lord Jesus Christ will open the door of their hearts, and will make upon their minds lasting impressions.”—Id., pp. 36-38.

In order to win souls to Christ we must have the truth of God in the heart. “Sanctify the Lord in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15. We must be imbued with the Spirit of Christ. Then as we go among those that are out of Christ, O what an influence we shall exert!

The highest missionary work we can engage in is to visit those who are out of Christ, and with hearts imbued with the Spirit of Christ, tell them that the end of all things is near. “Remember that the Lord Jesus is the Master Worker. He waters the seed sown. He puts into your minds words that will reach hearts. Expect that God will sustain the consecrated, unselfish worker. Obedience, childlike faith, trust in God, these will bring peace and joy. Work disinterestedly, lovingly, patiently, for all with whom you are brought into contact. Show no impatience. Utter not one unkind word. Let the love of Christ be in your hearts, the law of kindness on your lips. . . .”

“Those who give their lives to Christ-like ministry know the meaning of true happiness. Their interests and their prayers reach far beyond self. They themselves are growing as they try to help others.”—Id., pp. 41, 42.

I long for the glad time when I shall hear the words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” The time will soon come when “he shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” The joy of Christ will be in looking upon the redeemed host in the kingdom, whom he has been the means of saving. If we enter into the joy of Christ, we shall have to be the means of the salvation of some souls.

Cedaredge, Colo.