Workers Are Living Stones
By C. W. Hardesty
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2: 5. The true church of God is compared to a building of living stones. Every stone is hewn to fit in its place, and is polished so as to reflect the glory of God. In other words, every member of this church is a working Christian. These members know and realize that their foundation is sure, that they are riveted to the Rock, Christ Jesus. When every stone is in a condition to reflect heavenly light, the work will not be left for a few to do, but each one will know his work and do it. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Eph. 4: 11, 12. The importance of every branch of the message is unmistakable, but there is now no more urgent call than for consecrated men and women to engage in evangelistic canvassing—teachers of the people who will do a house-to-house work; for many can best be reached in this way. “This is the very work the Lord would have his people do at this time.” Because of the great light the Lord wishes the canvassers to take to the world, the enemy of souls “is using every means in his power to lead the canvasser to take up some other line of work. This order of things should be changed. God calls the canvassers back to their work.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 332. The Lord promises the humble, consecrated canvasser that he shall be led by the Spirit of God, and that he shall be given the requisite talent, courage, faith, tact, perseverance, and success. The Lord himself will go with him: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Angels of God will prepare the way before him, and God will give “a most wonderful experience to those who will say, ‘I believe thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged.’” Many of our people have been convinced, through the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” that they can meet people in their homes, converse with them on spiritual topics, and sell books. Some who felt too timid to engage in the canvassing work, obeyed the Lord’s call to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and have gained a rich experience that will enable them to become efficient missionaries who can sell our publications. Let us move right forward now, using the experience and knowledge we have gained, and thus become “living stones” in the “spiritual house.” Will any among us continue to work for self alone? Shall we still labor to acquire worldly gain and the delusive pleasures of this life? or shall we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, accept the promise made to the faithful, and labor to bring others into the promised possession with us? It is our privilege to enter into that joy with the Lord, when he shall see the “travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” C. W. HARDESTY,
General Agent Central Union Conf.