God’s Business Our Business by S. H. Carnahan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1907

God’s Business Our Business

By S. H. Carnahan

S. H. CARNAHAN

How diligent the successful man is in his business! The stockman is out in all kinds of weather to see that his animals do not perish; the laborer and mechanic put in every hour possible that their income may be increased; the marketman looks closely after each little detail, that he may not only supply the wants of his customers, but also prevent loss on his own part; the frugal housewife counts carefully every pound of butter and dozen of eggs to be sure they shall figure to her benefit.

As Christians we should be diligent in our work, but should see to it that our motives are not simply for worldly gain; for, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Jesus, the Saviour of the world, at the early age of twelve years said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Thus he worked for the salvation of men while he labored at the carpenter’s trade.

The great missionary, Carey, was a good cobbler as well as preacher. A friend of his told him that if he would lay aside his missionary work and pay strict attention to his business (shoe-making), he would make a success. Mr. Carey replied, “Missionary work is my business, and I do cobbling to meet expenses.” He made a success in his Father’s business.

The great apostle Paul made the teaching of the gospel of Christ his life-work, while he wrought as a tent-maker for his support.

The early Waldensian Christians traveling in the guise of peddlers, were really colporteurs distributing portions of the Holy Scriptures and tracts.

Ought not we, brethren and sisters, to be as faithful in dispensing the truths of God—circulating our precious literature to all with whom we come in contact? Should not this really be our business, while our worldly work is simply a means for the support of our families and the cause?

We are admonished to be diligent in business and fervent in spirit. Are we not all ambassadors for Christ? Then let us all by our talk and our actions interest others in his kingdom.

Enterprise, Ore.