NOT WANTED | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 24, 1876

NOT WANTED.

“Would you have me go where I am not wanted?” Yes, if you are a Christian; that is just where you are needed. Jesus was not wanted; he came to his own, and his own received him not, and they prayed him to depart out of their coasts. Yes, go anywhere among the perishing, sow beside all waters, go with the whole armor on, looking not to man, but to God for your reward; and you will get it at the resurrection of the just. Don’t wait to be invited, only by your Captain. Volunteer!

But pride says, “I am afraid they will not appreciate my work.” Did they appreciate Stephen’s preaching, and Paul’s, and Peter’s? The righteous did, whom these converted, and they will yours. Keep sowing the seed, though all should be lost but one little germ; it repayeth the cost, for that little blade, if watered with care, may bloom in Paradise “just over there.” Go speak to that young man. He is in danger; you see it, he does not. “Well, he will not thank me.” Very likely. Still he may thank you upon a death-bed, if not before; warn, exhort, and entreat.

“But I do not like to make myself conspicuous; I love to mind my own business.” That is your business, for God has bidden you do it, and we have no right to like anything better than God’s commands. Some one has prayed, and wept, and cared for you. He minded your needs, made himself conspicuous, when they mockingly bent the knee before him, when he hung upon the cross, and cried, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.” Go work in his vineyard; let gratitude prompt you; let pity move your selfish heart to work for the perishing. Go! If you are not wanted, you are needed.—Herald of Life.