p. 11 | Work for All by A. M. L.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1874

Work for All.

By A. M. L.

THE duty of individual effort in the missionary work has been so clearly laid out and established that perhaps nothing more need be said to stir up our minds. And yet it seems that some of us are too apt to give its trials, burdens, and sacrifices, to others. We are in danger of not feeling our individual responsibility. We think others feel the burden, and that it is unnecessary for us so weak and incapacitated to do anything; that, if we do try, we shall make mistakes that will injure the cause and place ourselves and it in a wrong light before others.

All around us darkness is prevailing, and who is to dispel it? Should we altogether hold our peace? Even the very stones would cry out were there no other agency to carry the truth. It would be well for each one to ask himself or herself, Have I a mission? and, if I have, what is it? Is it possible for me to exercise any influence in this direction? and next, am I doing all I can to fulfill this mission? I do not see that even one who professes present truth is excused from some kind of labor in the great harvest field. Does the Lord excuse us? or does he require that, as it has been freely communicated to us, in like manner we should spread it for others’ good, either by our example, by distributing publications, or giving of our means that the plan of the mission work may be carried on?

It is a work of free-will offering, as was the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness, or the temple of Solomon. Each will be moved to give or withhold such talents as they have at their disposal just as they feel its importance. Those who can do seemingly but a little, like the widow giving her mite, may be the very ones who will receive the greatest reward. It is accepted of us according to what we have. We are not responsible for talents we do not possess, but for just that which we do possess. The Lord holds us answerable for what we can do with his divine aid and no more. The message will go impelled by love to God, and to our neighbor, and by no other motive power existing. Anything done from a selfish feeling will not do. We must get the genuine motive power to accomplish our work, and to answer our responsibilities, and then humbly go forward in the name of the Lord. The gates of hell even, cannot prevail against his word and work.

A. M. L.