p. 181 | MINISTERING.- by J. L. Stone

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 1, 1874

MINISTERING.—

By J. L. Stone

Pure religion and undefiled is “ministering;” not the other thing—“being ministered unto.” It is handing over the morning paper to another for its perusal. It is vacating a pleasant seat by the fire for one who comes in chilled. It is giving up the most restful arm-chair or sofa-corner for one who is weary. It is “moving up” in the pew to let the new comer sit down by the entrance. It is rising from your place to darken the blind when the sun’s rays stream in too brightly upon some face in the circle. It is giving your comfort and convenience every time for the comfort and convenience of another. This is at once true courtesy and real Christianity. If we mean to copy the spirit of the Master we must be ready in every relation of life, and at every hour of the day, to give up being waited upon, and to practise this self-sacrificing, beneficent, and “ministering” graciousness of spirit and conduct.—Rev. J. L. Stone, D. D.