To Every Man His Work by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 26, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 13.

To Every Man His Work.

By Editor

IN a parable (Mark 13:34), our Lord sets forth what he expected of his servants during his absence in Heaven, where he has gone to prepare a place for us, and get a kingdom. Presently he will return, to reckon with his servants, and set up his kingdom. It is a matter of no little importance for us to look closely and carefully into our charge, and see whether we are faithfully carrying out his will and doing his work. "To every man his work" seems to include us all.

There is a growing tendency on the part of the majority of church members to throw all responsibility and work upon the church officers, and among church officers there is a growing tendency to shoulder the work of the church off onto the pastor, and leave him to enlist such as he may be able to do in the work of the Lord. The bulk of Christians who come within our observation seem to act upon the principle that churches are organized and maintained for the sole purpose of providing them with a comfortable place in which to worship God, when they feel so disposed. For this they are willing to pay a reasonable pew rental to cover running expenses and provide a moderate salary for the minister. Having done this, it is assumed that they have fairly commuted for all work and responsibility.

We are sorry to have to put the point of our pen into these sore spots in our church life; but "necessity is laid upon us." Our observation and information is that but a very small proportion of those church members who have both the time and ability to do so, are engaged in any definite work for the Lord. As for those who say they have no time to do any specific work for Christ, it might be well to ask whether that very fact is not a condemnation of them. What right has any Christian to become so absorbed in his own business that he has no time to attend in any degree to his Master's business, nor take part in any of the active work of his kingdom. Moreover, it cannot be true of any one that, between the home and the store or office, there never occurs an opportunity for doing some work, or leaving some little witness for him who loved us and gave himself for us, and who has chosen us to be a people for his possession, "zealous of good works." Jesus won a soul and started a testimony which stirred a whole city and made many believers, while he was "resting thus on a well," being weary with a fatiguing journey. John 4:6.

Ought we not to learn something of the importance and advantage of utilizing chance opportunities like this, always occurring in the midst of the days? Might there not be a moment spared from the perusal of the morning or evening paper, while on the way from home or store, to say a word for Christ, or at least pass a tract which might commend him? Might not a little of the time consumed in political discussion be diverted in favor of another "Candidate," who is seeking the love and trust of sinners? One of the ablest and most useful Christians in a neighboring large city said, in answer to the question, "What led you to become a Christian?" "A half-pound pressure on my coat button for five minutes." By this he referred to the fact that, after consulting his lawyer, who was a Christian man, upon some matters of business, the lawyer gently laid hold on his coat button, and kindly asked him about his soul, and commended Christ to him. This seasonable word was used of the Holy Ghost to awaken his soul to its need of salvation. Have you no such opportunity? Some work for Christ is within the reach of every man, woman, and child, who are disciples of his. Else would he not have said, "To every man his work."

What that work is which Christ has for you to do, is a matter which you ought to find out. There are many who say, I do not know what there is for me to do. We are sure that where there is first a readiness of mind and heart to do something for the Master there will not be long wanting a spiritual knowledge as to what there is to be done. Nor is it a mark of healthy condition to wait for your pastor to find something for you to do. If you are in real earnest to serve God and Christ you will be enabled to find your own work. We would despise a young man who stood about with his hands in his pockets saying he did not know what to do. We lose patience almost with some others, who are always wanting some one else to look up work for them. Find something to do. Do the first thing that comes. Do not stop to pick and choose work. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do that with your might. Do it well and honestly and as unto the Lord, and he will give you more and better work to do. But do something; do anything rather than do nothing.

If you can do no more, go and take care of some tired mother's children, and let her go to church. (This if you are a woman.) Go and hunt up some absent and careless member of your church, and find out what "ails him." Go and call upon some sick neighbor and take a flower with you, and give it in the name of Christ. Write a note and invite some neighbor, whom you know does not go to church, to go with you and tell him that you will call for him. Go and make a call upon the last family that came into the church and give them a hearty welcome, and thus make them feel at home. They will thank God and bless you for it. There are a hundred things to do, both small and great, lying at the door of every man and woman in the church, if only they had the eyes to see them; and they would have the eyes to see if they had the heart and will to do after seeing.

Oh! the idlers and drones in Zion. If a man with means should come to church year after year, never hire a seat, and never give a penny to support the gospel, he would be universally regarded as a mean, covetous man. A committee would wait on him and labor with him. But there are hundreds of men and women who come and go to church year after year who never lift their hand to do any service for Christ, and they still retain their standing and the good opinion of their brethren and of the church. It is high time that we should awaken out of our sleep, and every man and woman find their work, and then do the work they find to do.—Independent.