A Call to Service by Nellie M. Palmer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1902

A Call to Service

By Nellie M. Palmer

FROM every corner of the earth calls are coming for workers,—workers who are willing to give up everything for the Master.

Jesus, the Son of God, has set us an example that we should follow in his steps. He left the glory of his heavenly home, parted from his Father and loving associates, to seek and save the lost. What caused him to be willing to lay aside his royal crown to take upon himself our weaknesses?—It was love.

It is impossible for us to comprehend such love as this; but if we will consecrate our lives to him, he will fill us with this same love, so that we shall want to tell others of this Saviour who gave his life for them as well as for us.

Whosoever will, let him come. Many there are who have never heard this invitation. Many there are who have never heard of this loving Jesus. Hundreds, yea, millions, are passing into Christless graves who have never heard this name. Who is to carry the good news of salvation to such as these? Are we to stand back, and say, “I am not going. Others are better fitted than I. Let them go. This call cannot mean me”? To such a one let me say, Is the voice of God calling you? If so, “ask not to be excused; there’s danger in delay.” Listen to that voice, trust and obey. We all are frail creatures. Not one of us can in our own power do even one good thing; but Jesus says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” And again, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” “Arise, shine; for thy light is come.” Let us move forward in faith, and say with Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

God is calling for a variety of workers, but for no class is there a greater demand than for canvassers. He wants consecrated canvassers, active canvassers, canvassers

whose hearts are so filled with love for him that they have something to tell. They are to be witnesses for Jesus. They are to raise the standard high, pointing souls to him as the only one who cleanseth from all sin. God is calling for such workers as these,—workers who are alive and in earnest, who are willing to give up everything for him. He wants to see such workers as these going up and down the streets in every corner of this earth, carrying our literature to the people.

The canvasser is called to be Christ’s representative. From his face is to shine forth light from the Sun of Righteousness. In order for this light to shine forth, it must first be imbedded in the heart, permeating the whole being. Here again we see the need of consecrated workers. The world is reading, is taking note of, our every word and action, to see whether or not we live up to our profession. What are we telling such about Jesus? How are we representing him? Do they see by observing us that there is something attractive in the religion of Jesus Christ? God is calling us to-day to awake to our duty. If found standing idly by, we shall be without excuse. Let us say from the heart, Here I am, Lord. Use me to thy glory wherever thou wouldst have me.

Every power of our being should be used for the advancement of the third angel’s message. We possess no power of our own. All power comes from above. We do not even belong to ourselves; for we have been bought with a price.

Time is short. The moments are rapidly passing. How is our time being improved? Are we willing to meet the record of these hours in the judgment? Many are hungering for the truths that we hold dear. Are we ready to face these souls before the bar of God?

Crowns of glory are awaiting the faithful workers, crowns bright with beautiful stars. Do you want to wear one of these? Remember that it is only the consecrated worker who will be presented with a crown.

NELLIE M. PALMER.