USEFULNESS | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 9, 1890

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 16, No. 22.

USEFULNESS.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." In this sentence we find an epitome of wisdom, and he who looks upon life as a period of responsibility, a period wherein upright endeavor should be a principle of action, will see it as not only a divine command, but a divine benefaction.

It is gracious advice applied to any honest secular calling, or religious service, though sometimes there are circumstances which are so obscure to our mental vision that to us it hardly seems applicable.

The work that lies nearest is often so uninteresting and uninspiring that we see it "as through a glass darkly." It lacks the charm of distance which in this, as in other matters, "lends enchantment to the view."

We think if we had a larger field or different surroundings we could accomplish so much more; we think, perhaps, we have executive ability which could be developed for greater usefulness, and we murmur and chafe under the Lord's dealings, not realizing that he has put us "in our lot," and therefore our work lies there. These feelings often originate from a lack of true spirituality, in self-conceit, in ambition to be the head of a working body, or in a discontented disposition.

When even a weak desire is kindled in the heart to do something for Christ, we may be sure it is lighted by the Spirit, who would thus try us; and we should beware how we allow unhallowed motives to extinguish the flame which, if responded to with a cordial, "Here am I," will be breathed into heat and expansion that will not only bless others but our own souls also.

If we give this subject more thought henceforth, and look about us with more observant eyes, we will discover how much there is that might be done for others, how many interests will touch our hearts, how many opportunities for service lie around us. The work may be humble, may not attract attention, but it lies at our doors. Charles Kingsley said:—

"Do the work that's nearest, Though it's dull the whiles, Helping, when we meet them, Lame dogs over stiles; See in every hedge-row Marks of angels' feet, Epics in each pebble Underneath our feet."

"Do what you can, God will co-operate with you," said the quaint Thomas á Kempis. By giving ourselves in rich expenditure to the dying, sinning, suffering world, we shall prepare sublime benefactions for our own souls; we shall ennoble, enlarge, and vivify their powers for enjoyment in this life, and fruition in that which is beyond; and then, think of being co-workers with Christ. When he was on earth in guise, nothing was too insignificant to receive his gracious attention; thus he set us a perpetual example.

It may be that if we are faithful in little things we shall be advanced to larger opportunities of usefulness, and find the development which will give us what has been longed for,—great work for the Master.

There is infinite variety in the demands upon us for service, from that which finds its sphere in our own home and family duties to the broadest philanthropics, and there is an

almost infinite capability in the human soul for this purpose.

Thought, judgment, experience, energy, courage form the mind; love, sympathy, hope form the heart; and these an irresistible union, which, if employed for the salvation of souls, the reformation of the fallen and vicious, the rescuing the neglected and comforting the suffering, will create innumerable benefactions for the human race, for whom Christ died. Let us then adopt these words so full of wisdom and promise for the accomplishment of great things for time and eternity, thus: "One rich handful, heaven and all," for our working motto, and frame it with these golden characters: "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God," "Lo, I am with you always," and hang it in the sanctuaries of our willing hearts.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."—Christian at Work.