Personal Work by W. H. Sebastian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 27, 1915

Personal Work

By W. H. Sebastian

As the Christian physician sits at the bedside of his patient, acquainting himself with the patient's needs and ministering to them, thus making his work effective; so the Christian worker may gain the same results from his labor by talking, reading, and praying with individuals and families. This house-to-house work will prove to be the leaven of righteousness in the hearts of many who are visited. When the worker is purged of the “leaven of malice and wickedness” and possesses the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, there will be a great work accomplished in the salvation of souls. The worker who is aglow with the spirit of Christ must of necessity reap a large fruitage, for power will attend his efforts, and hearts will break as he presents the truth of God.

To us as a church the message comes: “I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4: 35. “Christ's example must be followed by those who claim to be his children. Relieve the physical necessities of your fellow men, and their gratitude will break down the barriers, and enable you to reach their hearts. Consider this matter earnestly. . . . The Lord has presented before me the work that is to be done in our cities. The believers in these cities are to work for God in the neighborhood of their homes. They are to labor quietly and in humility, carrying with them wherever they go the atmosphere of heaven. If they keep self out of sight, pointing always to Christ, the power of their influence will be felt. . . . Women as well as men can engage in the work of hiding the truth where it can work out and be made manifest. They can take their place in the work at this crisis, and the Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of his countenance, and this will give them a power that will exceed that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their work is needed. Discreet and humble women can do a work in explaining the truth to the people in their homes. The Word of God thus explained will do its leavening work, and through its influence whole families will be converted. . . . In the home circle, at your neighbor's fireside, at the bedside of the sick, in a quiet way you may read the Scriptures, and speak a word for Jesus and the truth. Precious seed may thus be sown that will spring up, and bring forth fruit after many days.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 127-130.

W. H. SEBASTIAN.