p. 741 | Doers of the Word

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 10, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 47.

Doers of the Word.

GENUINE Christianity does not put all of its force into prayer-meeting tones; but it is given to good deeds and words, done and said through the day to make others happier and better; it is a doer of the word and work. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" was the sensible and practical question of the jailer to Paul and Silas. He was to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." But, if you ever noticed it, when salvation comes to a man’s house, and he receives it joyfully, it always sets him to stirring around to see what he can do for God.

What could the jailer do in this case? Though the backs of these servants of God were bleeding and smarting from the "many stripes" which the bare flesh had received at the command of the magistrates, it is not recorded that they even asked to have them bathed; but the converted jailer "took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes." You do not have to stand and beat it into the head of a truly converted man what needs to be done; he is looking for it, and goes joyously at it. If these men of God had been as thoughtful of self and thoughtless of the salvation of others and the cause of God generally as many are to-day, they would have replied to the jailer’s question something like this: Wash our backs first; and we will see. Think of a jailer who but a few hours before thrust these men "into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks" as common culprits, turning nurse and washing their backs! Well, that is the way the gospel works; "it is the power of God unto salvation."

Take the case of Zaccheus. As soon as salvation came into his house hear him: "Behold, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." He must have had that kind of religion that makes one feel rich enough without much of this world’s goods; and that is the way it works when Christ is joyfully received. A godless soul worth millions is in misery for fear of coming to want, while he who communes with Heaven with nothing but a rock-heap for a pillow can say, "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven." Oh, get "Christ in you, the hope of glory," and then you must do something for him. How much better than to listlessly wish you might do something—some great thing—in order that you may be Christ’s.—Messiah’s Herald.