LOVE AND SERVICE by J. H.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 11, 1902

LOVE AND SERVICE.

By J. H.

J. H.

The oneness of love for Christ and service in His cause has been emphasized by consecrated pens so often in these pages that it would seem almost needless to dwell upon it more. But there is so much of the King’s work yet undone, and the need for speedy action is so great, that I would ask again of each and every one who has not already made a full and glad response, Are you willing to consecrate this day your service unto the Lord? — this day; this moment — now? What have you gained by waiting? What have you not lost?

You have named His name; you love Him. Surely, that is a settled thing. Then let your love find expression in hearty, constant, definite service. He who preached the gospel of love, preached also the gospel of labor. He did not stop when He had said, “Love your enemies.” Ah, no. Listen: “Do good to them that hate you.” Prove your love. True love will ever seek to serve.

You need not become a public laborer if God has willed it otherwise. Let anything and everything you do be done faithfully, earnestly, honestly, always unto the Lord. Let your own pleasure give way to whatever your hands may find to do for Him; or, rather, let your highest pleasure be to do His work. Let your thoughts, your desires, your will, be merged in His. Be faithful in the little things. The word in due season, the cup of cold water, the homely duty, the humble service, become things holy when for Him and to Him you render them. His poor, His suffering, His sorrowing ones, are all about you. You may feed Him; you may clothe Him; you may minister unto Him, if you so will.

We talk of the final bliss of “entering into rest.” Truly, rest is sweet, but only after toil; and if we rest upon our oars now, shall we ever enter the desired haven?

Think of the bliss of it! Omnipotence willing, anxious, to use you! Is it not sweet to you to work for your own earthly dear ones? Would you really love them if you wilfully failed to minister unto their needs? Then, if you love Him, consecrate this day your service unto Him. To serve Him is its own exceeding great reward. Have you tried it? Do you know its joys? O, come and taste and see!