p. 423 | WHATSOEVER

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1900

WHATSOEVER

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This is the keynote of our woman’s work. Dear sisters, is every item of your home work done in this way? Are your cooking, washing, sweeping, ironing, dusting, arranging and entertaining, controlled by this rule?

Whatsoever! Are you an invalid, obliged to lie prostrate day after day, unable to do the work which your brain is planning, and for which your heart is longing? Do not think that you are shut out of the sphere of woman’s work. You have a large place in it; for it begins in the thoughts and words, and in the deeds done toward those with whom we are obliged to associate. If you are free physically, but limited by the bounds of home ties, remember that you are directly in the channel of the woman’s work, and that this scripture should constantly be your motto. And if you are foot-free, so that you can go about doing good, you must still do all in the name of Christ, and under his direction.

If you believe on Christ with all your heart, and according to your faith live your daily life, letting everything that you do and say represent him, something will certainly come of it. You may not see it yourself, but the Lord will take care of it; and as surely as he lives, there will be fruit of that sort of living.

We should make of everything which brings us in contact with men and women an opportunity to give a living testimony to the power of the truth. A forcible illustration of how this may be done came to the notice of one of our sisters a short time ago, upon stepping into the place of business of an aged Seventh-day Adventist brother. She was a stranger to him, and therefore he proceeded with her as was his habit with customers. It was found necessary for her to call again, and in setting a time he took occasion to say: “I am here every day but the seventh day—Saturday. On that day you will find this store closed.” And then he asked, “Do you know what the Bible says about the seventh day? You have a Bible, haven’t you?” and a large, well-worn Bible came into view upon the show case by his side.

In this instance the conversation soon changed, on account of a mutual understanding; but many are the seeds of truth which he is thus able to sow. He recommends his goods to last until the Lord comes, and so introduces this important subject to his customers in a way to make a deep impression; and his honesty and accommodation in business prove that he believes what he teaches.

To every one there come opportunities similar to this. What do you say to those who by misunderstanding call at your home on business on the Sabbath? What do you say to the delivery men, agents, canvassers, and tramps as they call at your door day by day? Be ever on the watch, and ask God to make you wise and quick to discern opportunities for speaking words fitly chosen. A message of Christian interest coming at such an unexpected time, and in a loving and tactful way, will make a lasting impression. We are glad to suggest different lines of work, such as holding Bible readings, Christian help work, sewing circles, mission Sabbath-schools, systematic work with periodicals, etc., etc., and to answer any questions or give any information as to the best methods of beginning and proceeding; but we must not lose sight of the opportunities that God sends to our doors.